Abstract
Background and ObjectiveSeveral studies assessed the efficacy of traditional Chinese medical exercise in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its role remained controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence on the effect of traditional Chinese medical exercise for PD.MethodsSeven English and Chinese electronic databases, up to October 2014, were searched to identify relevant studies. The PEDro scale was employed to assess the methodological quality of eligible studies. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.1 software.ResultsFifteen trials were included in the review. Tai Chi and Qigong were used as assisting pharmacological treatments of PD in the previous studies. Tai Chi plus medication showed greater improvements in motor function (standardized mean difference, SMD, -0.57; 95% confidence intervals, CI, -1.11 to -0.04), Berg balance scale (BBS, SMD, -1.22; 95% CI -1.65 to -0.80), and time up and go test (SMD, -1.06; 95% CI -1.44 to -0.68). Compared with other therapy plus medication, Tai Chi plus medication also showed greater gains in motor function (SMD, -0.78; 95% CI -1.46 to -0.10), BBS (SMD, -0.99; 95% CI -1.44 to -0.54), and functional reach test (SMD, -0.77; 95% CI -1.51 to -0.03). However, Tai Chi plus medication did not showed better improvements in gait or quality of life. There was not sufficient evidence to support or refute the effect of Qigong plus medication for PD.ConclusionsIn the previous studies, Tai Chi and Qigong were used as assisting pharmacological treatments of PD. The current systematic review showed positive evidence of Tai Chi plus medication for PD of mild-to-moderate severity. So Tai Chi plus medication should be recommended for PD management, especially in improving motor function and balance. Qigong plus medication also showed potential gains in the management of PD. However, more high quality studies with long follow-up are warrant to confirm the current findings.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with insidious onset
Tai Chi and Qigong were used as assisting pharmacological treatments of PD in the previous studies
Tai Chi plus medication showed greater improvements in motor function, Berg balance scale (BBS, standardized mean difference (SMD), -1.22; 95% confidence intervals (CI) -1.65 to -0.80), and time up and go test (SMD, -1.06; 95% CI -1.44 to -0.68)
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with insidious onset. In China, PD is 1.70% in prevalence rate among people aged more than 65 years old [2]. The landmark symptoms of PD are resting tremor, bradykinesis, rigidity and decreased postural reflexes. These impairments lead to a decline in functional status as gait disturbance and balance decrements so that people with PD cannot cope with their daily tasks well [4,5]. Several studies assessed the efficacy of traditional Chinese medical exercise in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its role remained controversial.
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