Alternative therapies: Parkinson’s Disease at a Glance

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that may help improve balance in some people with Parkinson's disease, but research results have been mixed. A study in 2012 found that those who did tai chi twice a week for 24 weeks had better balance, stability, and walking speed compared to those who did resistance training or stretching. The tai chi group also continued exercising more often after the study ended. However, a smaller study funded by NCCIH in 2013 found that two or three tai chi classes a week over 16 weeks did not improve walking. Massage and acupuncture are other approaches that have limited research on their effectiveness for people with Parkinson's. There is no strong evidence that either can reduce symptoms. Dance, particularly Argentine tango, may be more effective than other forms of exercise in improving some Parkinson's symptoms in the short term, according to research reviews of multiple small studies. Participants in these studies reported better balance, mobility, and quality of life. However, the studies did not include people with advanced Parkinson's.