The effect of home‐based exercise on motor and non‐motor symptoms with Parkinson's disease patients: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of home‐based exercise in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Design A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods This study systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of Science. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 criteria. The data were pooled using R software. Results are presented as pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Thirty studies involving 2264 PD patients were included. Meta‐analysis results showed that home‐based exercise had a small effect in relieving overall motor symptoms in PD patients (SMD: −.28, 95% Crl [−.43; −.14]), improving quality of life (SMD = .15 [.03, .26]), walking speed (SMD = .30 [.04, .56]), balance ability (SMD = .18 [.04, .33]; p < .0001) and finger dexterity (SMD = .28 [.10, .46]). Mixed exercise (Mix) had better effects on improving motor symptoms and quality of life. In addition, the results of dose analysis showed that only mixed exercise exceeding 850 METs‐min per week and more than 18 weeks can significantly alleviate the overall motor symptoms of PD patients. Conclusion Home‐based exercise was an effective form of therapy for alleviating motor symptoms. In addition, Mix appeared to be more suitable for PD patients engaging in home‐based exercise. Existing evidence suggested that significant therapeutic effects were achieved with a Mix, with a weekly exercise volume exceeding 850 METs and a duration of more than 18 weeks. Relevance to Clinical Practice Home‐based exercise had a small effect in relieving overall motor symptoms in PD patients, improving quality of life, walking speed, balance ability and finger dexterity. In terms of exercise dosage, we recommend the exercise period is no less than 18 weeks and the dose per is no less than 850 METs‐min. No Patient or Public Contribution.