Effects of speed-based interventions aimed at improving bradykinesia in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review
- Journal
- Parkinsonism & related disorders (Q1)
- Published
- 13 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Poliana do Amaral Yamaguchi Benfica, Aline Alvim Scianni, Jordana de Paula Magalhães, Sherindan Ayessa Ferreira de Brito, Júlia Caetano Martins, Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais Faria
- PMID
- 42448557
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2026.108438
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Geriatrics and Gerontology (top studies of the week, 19 July 2026).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exercises that promote faster movement execution may help improve bradykinesia in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVES: To describe speed-based interventions employed to improve bradykinesia in individuals with PD, evaluate their effects, and identify gaps in the literature. METHODS: The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scielo, Lilacs, PEDro, and gray literature sources up to December 2025. The Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools were used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS: Eight studies involving 149 participants with PD were included: six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two non-randomized studies. Interventions included high-cadence cycling, aerobic interval training, power training, and high-speed power yoga. All studies were rated as having high risk of bias. The findings suggest that speed-based interventions may improve upper- and lower-limb bradykinesia in individuals with PD. CONCLUSION: This systematic review showed that speed-based interventions are effective in improving bradykinesia in both upper and lower limbs. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the high risk of bias presented in all included studies. Gaps were identified regarding the assessment of bradykinesia and the types of interventions applied. Further high-quality RCTs are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.