Effects of physical activity in Parkinson's disease: A new tool for rehabilitation

Table 5 Effects of balance training

Li et al[62]	Tai Chi vs resistance training and stretching	60 min sessions 2 times/wk for 24 wk	Tai Chi group improved their postural stability significantly more than both the other groups; stride length and velocity, strength, timed up-and-go test, functional reaching and UPDRS-III score were significantly higher in the Tai Chi group when compared with stretching; Tai Chi improved stride length, reduced rate of falls at follow up and, as shown by the posturography, there was a reduction of deviations of movement, which the authors suggest to be a reduction of dyskinesia
Hackney et al[63]	Tai Chi program	60 min session for 10-13 wk (total 20 session)	Improved global and motor symptoms (UPDRS and UPDRS-III), balance, tandem stance, one leg stance, backward walking, and gait endurance (6MWT)
Schmitz-Hubsch et al[24]	Qi Gong program	90 min weekly training for 2 mo	Intervention showed a “stabilizing effect on PD symptoms”: specifically, postural instability improved, as well as UPDRS-III score. Also, autonomic dysfunction (constipation and pain) decreased, and during physiotherapy sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness diminished

6MWT: 6-Minute Walk Test; UPDRS: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale.