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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Accelerates Motor Decline in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic's social isolation measures significantly curtailed physical activity, potentially accelerating motor decline in individuals with Parkinson's Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Researchers have found that regular physical activity plays a key role in managing symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. A systematic review of 34 studies revealed a reduction in physical activity and a worsening of motor symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia, and postural instability, leading to impaired functional performance, increased fall risk, and gait disturbances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic imposed social isolation measures that significantly curtailed physical activity in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
  • Regular physical activity plays a key role in managing symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
  • The systematic review of 34 studies found a reduction in physical activity and a worsening of motor symptoms, including tremors, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
  • The review found that most studies demonstrated moderate to high methodological quality, indicating that the findings are robust.
  • The study's authors conclude that the results underscore the potential detrimental impact of prolonged isolation and highlight the importance of interventions that help preserve motor function in individuals with PD during periods of restricted mobility.
  • The study involved researchers from the Federal University of Amapa in Macapa, Brazil, led by Raimunda da Silva Chaar Neta.
  • The study's results have significant implications for the management of Parkinson's Disease, particularly during periods of social isolation.
  • The study highlights the importance of physical activity in maintaining motor function and preventing decline in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Statistics:

  • 1534 records were identified through systematic searches in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.
  • 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 23 were cross-sectional, 7 were prospective longitudinal, 3 were retrospective longitudinal, and 1 was a qualitative study.
  • 23 studies demonstrated moderate to high methodological quality, indicating robust findings.
  • 90% of the included studies found a reduction in physical activity and a worsening of motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
  • 80% of the studies found a significant association between prolonged social isolation and impaired functional performance in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Sources:

  • The impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on functional performance, fall risk, and gait in individuals with Parkinson's Disease: a systematic review. Neuroscience, 2025;584:113-126.
  • Pain & Central Nervous System Week. September 1, 2025; p 28.
  • Raimunda da Silva Chaar Neta, et al. (2025). The impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on functional performance, fall risk, and gait in individuals with Parkinson's Disease: a systematic review. Neuroscience, 584, 113-126.

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