Review: Effect of Supplemental Activities on Motor and Nonmotor Outcomes in the Parkinson’s Population

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder characterized by degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Physical therapy (PT) is effective for managing symptoms of PD, but there are limiting factors to the PT episode of care. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the effects and neurobiology of supplemental activities such as dance, yoga, and martial arts on motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Database searches were utilized to identify evidence, followed by PEDro scoring. Here, 35 articles were analyzed, and 25 articles were included for review of current data regarding nontraditional movement interventions for PD. We conclude that supplemental activities are effective for significantly improving motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD. These findings are particularly useful for dance/movement therapists working with the Parkinson’s population and with the older adult population.