Objective: This systematic review examined the effect of telerehabilitation on balance, gait, functional mobility, physical activity, quality of life, and social support among adults living with Parkinson Disease (PD).

Background: For individuals living with PD, regular engagement in rehabilitation is essential for optimum disease management yet, barriers exist that limit the continuity of care. Telerehabilitation (TR) may improve access to rehabilitation services, however, the comprehensive effect of TR on people with PD is not clear.

Method: An electronic database search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials, Embase, and SCOPUS for data published until November 2023. All studies that used telecommunication technology (telephone, text messages, teleconferencing, virtual reality, mobile apps, exergaming, etc.) to provide rehabilitation to people with PD were included. Data extraction was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This review was registered with Prospero (CRD42023475545).

Results: In total, 2751 citations were identified, of which 17 were included in this review, including 710 patients with PD. The articles were divided into categories based on their primary outcome measures. Out of 4 studies on balance, 3 showed significant improvements with TR compared to the control group (CR). Meanwhile, all 3 studies conducted on gait parameters and 1 study on physical activity did not yield significantly different results compared to the CR. Regarding quality of life, 2 out of 3 studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the TR group compared to CR. The research also found that TR was more effective in improving functional mobility compared to CR. No studies were found that evaluated the effect of TR on social support in people living with PD.

Conclusion: In general, those receiving TR yielded similar or superior results compared to CR across the 5 outcome domains evaluated. However, adherence varied across different types of TR, with most challenges reported when using mobile apps. Additionally, the effect of TR on social support lacks any evidence to guide its application and warrants examination in future research.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effects-of-telerehabilitation-on-balance-gait-functional-mobility-physical-activity-quality-of-life-and-social-support-among-adults-with-parkinson-disease-a-systematic-review/