The effects of stretching in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. While incurable, exercise has shown therapeutic benefits. Stretching, an accessible and low-cost modality, may improve mobility, balance, and flexibility, warranting systematic evaluation for managing PD symptoms. This systematic review aimed to examine and critically analyze scientific evidence on the effects of stretching in people with Parkinson's disease. Methods: A search was conducted in four electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and MEDLINE/ PubMed) from inception to November 2024. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Twelve randomized controlled trials were analyzed. Stretching programs lasted 4 weeks to 6 months. Positive effects were observed in motor symptoms and functional mobility for people with PD, although these were generally less pronounced compared to interventions like Tai Chi or WuQinXi Qigong. In contrast, mixed results to no significant improvements were observed for balance, gait, strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, mental health, neurocognitive function, sleep quality, physical activity levels, and fatigue. Conclusion: Stretching improves motor symptoms and mobility in people with PD, but its benefits for gait, motor function, and mental health are limited compared to other exercises. Further studies are needed to assess its impact on motor and neurocognitive functions.