Ab. No. 2 Physiotherapy for Managing Tremors in Patients With Parkinson’s – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Primary parkinsonism is one of the most prevalent movement disorders characterized by hypokinesia, rigidity, and tremor. The number of PD cases is anticipated to rise on a global scale, making it crucial to find effective and affordable interventions. physiotherapy interventions have shown promise in managing tremors, but high-quality systematic reviews are limited. This systematic review aims to evaluate the benefits of physiotherapy treatments in managing tremors in Parkinson’s disease. Methods: The study followed the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, and PsycINFO. Keywords related to PD, physiotherapy, and tremors were used. The eligibility of studies was assessed independently by two reviewers, and the quality of included studies was evaluated using the JBI risk of bias tool. Data extraction was performed, focusing on study characteristics, participant demographics, intervention details, and outcome measures. Result: A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The sample sizes ranged from 10 to 79 participants, and the interventions varied from standard exercises to technological interventions. The findings from the included studies demonstrated the positive effects of physiotherapy interventions on tremor reduction and motor function improvement. However, due to the heterogeneity among the studies in terms of the classification of PD, outcomes measured, and intervention duration, it was challenging to draw definitive conclusions. Conclusion: In conclusion, while limited evidence exists, physiotherapy interventions have shown temporary benefits in reducing tremors and improving motor function in patients with PD.