Systematic Review of Paramedical Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Movement Disorders
Deane, K. H. O., Ellis-Hill, C., et al. (2002).
Movement Disorders, 17(5), 984-991.
This systematic review investigates the efficacy of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy treatments for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
NHS Research and Development Programme for People with Physical and Complex Disabilities (United Kingdom); City Hospital NHS Trust (United Kingdom); Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund (United Kingdom); the Royal Society (United Kingdom); Pharmacia Upjohn Limited (United Kingdom)
5 studies targeting speech and language treatments
<div>The results of this review did not find "conclusive evidence of benefit for any form of paramedical therapy sufficient to recommend them in routine clinical practice. However, this lack of evidence is not proof of a lack of effect" (p. 984). The authors indicate that the results from speech and language trials for individuals with dysarthria secondary to Parkinson's disease "are encouraging, as the improvements measured do appear to be clinically significant" (p. 988). Further research is warranted.</div>
<div>No trials were found examining the efficacy of swallowing treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of swallowing treatments in Parkinson's disease.</div>
