Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is a neurological condition involving the nervous system. The outcomes discussed in relation to it include movement-related areas such as balance, mobility, and motor experiences of daily living, as well as sleep quality and other non-motor symptoms.
Parkinson's Disease is classified as a neurological condition, placing it within a health area focused on the nervous system.
This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.
What may help
What studies found for each option, best evidence first.
23 options:2 good evidence12 some evidence8 not enough evidence1 not tested in people
Tai ChipracticeGood evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Good human studies found a benefit, and they mostly agree. This is about what studies measured, not a cure.
All 14 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Tai Chi pageAcupuncturepracticeGood evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Good human studies found a benefit, and they mostly agree. This is about what studies measured, not a cure.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A network meta-analysis of 77 randomized trials reported improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life with various acupuncture interventions. A separate analysis of 10 randomized trials found improved HAMA and SAS scores, with high certainty for HAMA and moderate certainty for SAS.
Open the Acupuncture pageCardiopracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 8 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Open the Cardio pageDancepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
13 of 17 studies found a benefit; 4 found none.
Open the Dance pageMeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Pooled randomized trials in people with Parkinson's Disease found improvement in motor symptoms measured by UPDRS-III and in cognitive function, while several other outcomes were not significant. A separate review reported improved activity and participation, but fatigue scores did not significantly change.
Open the Meditation pageHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A 2026 pooled analysis included Parkinson's disease in a clinical subgroup but reported no separate estimate for this population. A separate review reported that HIIT was safe and improved VO2max and motor functions in people with Parkinson's disease.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) pagePilatespracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 5 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
In people with Parkinson's Disease at Stage 1-3, a 2021 pooled analysis of randomized trials found improvements in balance and functional autonomy. A 2019 pooled analysis of four randomized trials found improvements in lower-body function, with descriptive findings also reporting benefits for fitness, balance, and functional autonomy.
Open the Pilates pageQigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 10 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
Pooled randomized trials reported cognitive improvement with Tai Chi or Qigong in people with Parkinson's disease. The included trials enrolled people with a clinical diagnosis of the condition.
Open the Qigong page
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What may help
Interventions recorded as helping with this condition23 listedHighest probability, strongest evidence
- →PracticesTai ChiCertaintyHighSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found improved quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease (SMD -0.7 [-0.95, -0.44]); cognition also improved in the Tai Chi subgroup. Another pooled analysis of 16 trials reported better balance and mobility than conventional medication and other exercise therapies.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Alzheimers Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Sarcopenia
Open Tai ChiStudy result
Quality of life, a patient-important outcome, improved with Tai Chi in people with PD (SMD -0.70, 95% CI -0.95 to -0.44). Cognition also improved in the Tai Chi subgroup.
- →PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyHighSourceRCT
A network meta-analysis of 77 randomized trials reported improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life with various acupuncture interventions. A separate analysis of 10 randomized trials found improved HAMA and SAS scores, with high certainty for HAMA and moderate certainty for SAS.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open AcupunctureStudy result
Network meta-analysis of 77 RCTs showing significant improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life with various acupuncture interventions
Medium probability(12)
- →PracticesCardioCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisLarge effect
Pooled analyses reported improvements in motor function, walking tests, and balance measures in people with Parkinson's Disease. One pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded reported a moderate effect for motor function (SMD −0.75).
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open CardioStudy result
Pooled meta-analysis of 27 RCTs showing significant improvements in UPDRS-III (SMD −0.75), TUG (SMD −0.82), 6MWT (SMD 0.82), BBS (SMD 1.15), and Mini-BESTest (SMD 0.61) versus control
- →PracticesDanceCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisLarge effect
A network meta-analysis reported improved overall balance in people with Parkinson’s Disease at 1000 METs-min/week (SMD 1.632, 95% CrI 0.663-2.619). Reviews also describe Irish set dancing and Argentine tango as improving motor function, balance and freezing of gait compared with physiotherapy or usual care.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Huntingtons Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Stroke
Open DanceStudy result
Dance significantly improved overall balance in PD patients (SMD 1.632, 95% CrI 0.663-2.619 at 1000 METs-min/week) in a network meta-analysis of 73 RCTs.
- →PracticesMeditationCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis
Pooled randomized trials in people with Parkinson's Disease found improvement in motor symptoms measured by UPDRS-III and in cognitive function, while several other outcomes were not significant. A separate review reported improved activity and participation, but fatigue scores did not significantly change.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open MeditationStudy result
Pooled RCTs found significant improvement in UPDRS-III score and cognitive function in patients with PD, while several other outcomes were not significant.
- →PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A 2026 pooled analysis included Parkinson's disease in a clinical subgroup but reported no separate estimate for this population. A separate review reported that HIIT was safe and improved VO2max and motor functions in people with Parkinson's disease.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Addiction Drugs
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Copd
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Diabetes Type2
- +7 more
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Study result
Included in clinical subgroup (n=1 study); the paper reports no separate estimate for this population.
- →PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
In people with Parkinson's Disease at Stage 1-3, a 2021 pooled analysis of randomized trials found improvements in balance and functional autonomy. A 2019 pooled analysis of four randomized trials found improvements in lower-body function, with descriptive findings also reporting benefits for fitness, balance, and functional autonomy.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Breast Cancer
- Diabetes Type2
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Stroke Recovery
Open PilatesStudy result
Included studies with individuals with Parkinson's Stage 1-3; Pilates improved balance and functional autonomy.
- →PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
Pooled randomized trials reported cognitive improvement with Tai Chi or Qigong in people with Parkinson's disease. The included trials enrolled people with a clinical diagnosis of the condition.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Burnout
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Cervical Pain
- Copd
- Dementia
- +13 more
Open QigongStudy result
All 59 included RCTs enrolled clinically diagnosed Parkinson's disease patients; qigong was evaluated as an intervention for this population.
- →PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found improvements in emotional function, cognitive function, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease, with limited effect on balance. A separate analysis reported improved MoCA cognitive scores (MD=2.91, 95% CI 1.28-4.53), while motor outcomes were not significantly improved by resistance training.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Strength TrainingStudy result
Meta-analysis of 55 RCTs showing significant improvements in emotional function, cognitive function, and quality of life with resistance training; limited effect on balance.
- →PracticesSwimmingCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
Pooled analyses whose study designs were not recorded reported improvements in balance, walking ability, and quality of life for people with Parkinson's Disease. A quasi-experimental study in 9 patients also found changes in antioxidant enzyme activity after aquatic exercise.
Open SwimmingStudy result
Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs showing significant improvements in balance, walking ability, and quality of life.
- →PracticesCyclingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies found improvements in mobility, motor function, walking capacity, and cycling efficiency in Parkinson's Disease studies compared with controls. In an RCT involving 30 people, urinary frequency improved, but this was a secondary measure rather than the primary endpoint.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Alzheimers Disease
- Heart Disease
- Parkinsons Disease
Open CyclingStudy result
Mobility and motor function, walking capacity and cycling efficiency improved in PD studies compared with controls (Ridgel 2019, Ferraz 2018).
- →PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A review pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies reported improvements in anxiety, depression, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease, while motor, balance, and cognitive findings were inconsistent or limited. A separate review reported improved participation and activity scores and support for fatigue management.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Mindfulness MeditationStudy result
Review reports improvements in anxiety, depression and quality of life in people with PD; motor, balance and cognitive findings were inconsistent or limited.
- →PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceClinical
A 2022 systematic review covering 20 PES studies reported that TENS reduced tremor amplitude by ~50–62% in people with Parkinson's disease. These were pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded; effects varied and may apply only to some patients.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Parkinsons Disease
Open TENS / EMS TherapyStudy result
Systematic review of 20 PES studies; TENS reduced tremor amplitude by ~50–62% in PD patients, though effect varies and may only work for some patients.
Low probability(9)
- →PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyLowSourceRCT
Clinical studies have reported improvements in mobility, balance, cognition, and smell sensitivity, while animal studies reported restored locomotor activity and reduced dopaminergic degeneration. However, a pooled analysis of randomized trials found no statistically significant or MCID-exceeding motor benefit, and the studies disagree.
Who was studied
- Healthy people and patients
- Alzheimers Disease
- Anxiety Disorder
- Anxiety Generalized
- Cancer
- Depression
- Low Libido
- +5 more
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)Study result
Animal studies showed restored locomotor activity and reduced dopaminergic degeneration in PD models
- →PracticesAlternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)CertaintyLowSourceClinical
A randomized controlled trial involving 86 people with Parkinson's disease found improvements in cardiac autonomic balance, cognition, psychological status, and quality of life when the practice was used as an adjunctive therapy.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)Study result
RCT showing significant improvements in cardiac autonomic balance, cognition, psychological status, and QoL with AVP as adjunctive therapy.
- →PracticesBrain Games / PuzzlesCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A randomized trial involving 8 people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease found that gamified DTT was feasible and safe, with preliminary signals of improvement in motor and cognitive function and perceived disability.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Brain Games / PuzzlesStudy result
Gamified DTT was feasible and safe, and showed preliminary signals of efficacy in improving motor and cognitive function as well as perceived disability in individuals with mild-to-moderate Parkinson disease.
- →PracticesBreathworkCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease, a trial in 86 participants found that adding AVP to conventional treatment improved several secondary outcomes, including psychological status and quality of life. A small, unblinded pilot trial in 48 participants found a lower anxiety score than with a waitlist at 6 weeks (MD −5.0, p=.03).
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open BreathworkStudy result
In people with mild-to-moderate PD, AVP added to conventional treatment improved several secondary patient-relevant outcomes (cardiac autonomic balance, psychological status, QoL) versus conventional treatment alone; the primary endpoint was the cardiac autonomic LF/HF change, reported as significan
- →PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A 2020 pilot trial in 20 people with mild-to-moderate idiopathic Parkinson's disease reported improvement in motor symptom scores and static sway with Hatha yoga. A separate 2026 trial in 49 people with Parkinson's disease studied motor symptoms and fitness.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Hatha YogaStudy result
Participants with Parkinson's disease were the study population; the intervention was studied for motor symptoms and fitness in this group.
- →PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a trial of 94 participants selected for anxiety or depression, the laughter-yoga group had lower HAMA and HAMD scores than usual care after the intervention.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Anxiety Disorder
- Depression
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Laughter Yoga / TherapyStudy result
Participants selected for anxiety or depression; the laughter yoga group showed lower HAMA and HAMD scores than usual care at post-intervention.
- →PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A crossover randomized trial in 61 people with Parkinson's Disease found improvements in speech and gait parameters with rBMT compared with no therapy. Another trial enrolled people with Hoehn-Yahr stage 1-3 for exercise-based telerehabilitation but reported no outcome data in the finding.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Mobility TrainingStudy result
Study population of patients with Parkinson's disease, Hoehn-Yahr stage 1-3, selected for exercise-based telerehabilitation.
- →PracticesThai MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A 2018 randomized trial in 60 people found improvements in peak flexion and extension torque, bradykinesia scores, and pain scores.
Who was studied
- People with a condition
- Parkinsons Disease
Open Thai MassageStudy result
RCT showing significant improvement in peak flexion and extension torque, UPDRS-bradykinesia, and VAS pain scores.
- →PracticesGardening TherapyCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Gardening therapy is used to support motor coordination, mood and engagement in meaningful activities among people with Parkinson's disease.
Open Gardening TherapyStudy result
Gardening therapy is employed to improve motor coordination, mood, and engagement in meaningful activity among individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
What to avoid
Interventions recorded as making it worseNothing in this library is currently recorded as making Parkinson's Disease worse. Coverage is partial, and absence here is not evidence of safety.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Parkinson's Disease is a neurological condition involving the nervous system. The outcomes discussed in relation to it include movement-related areas such as balance, mobility, and motor experiences of daily living, as well as sleep quality and other non-motor symptoms. These outcomes are distinct: an intervention may be studied for one area without showing the same effect on others, so findings about sleep or balance do not necessarily describe changes in every aspect of the condition.
Evidence-backed options
The most developed clinical evidence in this set concerns Tai Chi, with a meta-analysis finding improvements in balance and mobility compared with conventional medication and other exercise therapies. Melatonin has been associated with better subjective sleep quality and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease, but findings for objective sleep measures, motor symptoms, and quality of life remain inconclusive. Curcumin has been studied in relation to gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids, while the reported clinical finding for 5-HTP concerns motor experiences of daily living.
Several other options have evidence that is less directly applicable to people with Parkinson’s disease. Findings for Astaxanthin, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), and MCT Oil come from animal or cellular models, including protection against forms of neurotoxicity. Caffeine is supported here by theoretical findings, and Bacopa Monnieri, CBD (Cannabidiol), Coenzyme Q10, and Glutathione are supported by reviews or clinical research with more limited conclusions. For Coenzyme Q10, a study using 1200 mg/d did not find a significantly lower mean change in UPDRS score than placebo, and the researchers concluded that it showed no apparent clinical benefit.
Dose, treatment duration, and time to response are not specified for most options, so the available findings do not establish how quickly effects may appear or how long treatment was continued. Overall, the evidence spans patient outcomes, reviews, and preclinical work, and these categories should not be treated as interchangeable. Consultation with a clinician is appropriate when considering options for Parkinson’s disease.
What to avoid
The items flagged for Parkinson's Disease share a concern about neurotransmitter balance and treatment effects. Choline (Bitartrate) increases acetylcholine levels, which may exacerbate the cholinergic-dopaminergic imbalance associated with Parkinson's Disease. This could potentially worsen motor symptoms.
SAM-e affects dopamine metabolism and may interfere with dopaminergic therapy, creating a potential for Parkinson's Disease symptoms to worsen. These concerns relate to how each substance may influence cholinergic or dopaminergic signaling rather than to a general rule about all supplements.
Because Parkinson's Disease treatment can involve dopaminergic therapy, any consideration of Choline (Bitartrate) or SAM-e is best discussed with a clinician familiar with the individual's condition and treatment plan.