Effect of aquatic exercise programs according to the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health domains in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE quality assessment

PurposeTo investigate the effects of aquatic exercise programs (AEP) in body structure and function, activity, and participation outcomes in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) with mild to moderate disability levels.MethodsSix databases were searched from inception until November 2022. Randomized clinical trials that used AEP alone, AEP combined and/or compared two types of AEP were included. The quality of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach and the standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated the meta-analysis.ResultsTwelve studies (n = 380) were included. AEP alone was superior to active control in improving body structure and function outcome: postural balance (low evidence, SMD = 0.47, p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were found for the other body structure and function outcomes: lower limb muscle strength (p = 0.14) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.79), activity outcomes: mobility (p = 0.32) and participation outcomes: quality of life (p = 0.05). AEP combined showed no statistically significant difference for the outcomes of body structure and function: postural balance (p = 0.11) and activity: mobility (p = 0.21) when compared to active control.ConclusionAEP showed positive effects on body structure and function outcome (postural balance) in individuals with PD with mild to moderate disability levels while, no significant improvements were noticed for activity and participation outcomes.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aquatic exercise programs (AEP) on body structure and function, activity, and participation outcomes in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) with mild to moderate disability levels. The analysis of 12 studies found that AEP can improve postural balance, but the effects on other outcomes were not significant.