Authors: Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara, and Ian M. Walker
Conference: 2026 MDS-PAS, Houston, TX
Objective
To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of treadmill training (TT) on motor symptoms, gait, functional mobility, and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease.
Background
Gait impairment and reduced mobility are major contributors to disability in Parkinson’s disease. Treadmill training has been proposed as a targeted intervention to improve walking performance and motor function, but its efficacy across clinical outcomes remains uncertain.
Design/Methods
A systematic search of PubMed was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating treadmill training (TT) in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Eligible studies compared TT with conventional physiotherapy in adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Primary outcomes included motor symptoms (UPDRS-III), gait speed, stride length, functional mobility (Timed Up and Go [TUG]), walking capacity (6-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]), and quality of life (PDQ-39). Data were pooled using mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I².
Results
Seven RCTs were included. TT significantly improved motor symptoms (UPDRS-III ON: MD −1.47; 95% CI −2.72 to −0.22; I² = 0%) and balance (BBS: MD 3.61; 95% CI 1.90 to 5.32; I² = 96%). Functional mobility showed a small, non-significant effect (TUG: SMD −0.35; 95% CI −0.95 to 0.25; I² = 0%). Walking capacity improvements were modest and not statistically significant (6MWT: SMD 0.34; 95% CI −0.32 to 0.99; I² = 49%). Quality-of-life changes were minimal (PDQ-39: MD −1.88; 95% CI −7.97 to 4.22; I² = 0%). TT was generally safe, with low dropout rates and minimal adverse events.
Conclusions
Treadmill training provides significant benefits for motor symptoms and balance in PD, with uncertain effects on functional mobility, walking capacity, and quality of life. Incorporating TT into multimodal rehabilitation programs may enhance outcomes.
Citation
Rissardo JP, Caprara ALF, Walker I. Treadmill Training Improves Motor and Balance Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2026;13(S1):S97–S98. doi: 10.1002/mdc3.7047.
Figure 1. Forest plots showing pooled effects of interventions on UPDRS‑III (ON), TUG, BBS, 6‑MWT, and PDQ‑39 outcomes across included studies.