Effects of basic and dual-task training programs on physical function in Parkinson’s disease: The PARKEX study

Exercise is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, direct comparisons between basic physical training (BPT) and dual-task training remain limited. The objective of the current clinical trial is to evaluate clinical and functional effects of BPT and a BPT combined with dual-task functional exercises (BPT + FE) in individuals with PD. In this randomized controlled trial, 24 participants with idiopathic PD were allocated to BPT, BPT + FE, or a no-intervention control group (Con). Interventions lasted 12 weeks (three 60-minute sessions/week). Outcomes included quality of life (PDQ-39), depressive symptoms (BDI), lower-limb strength (1-minute Sit-to-Stand Test, STS), and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go, TUG). Group effects were analyzed using permutation-based ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Both interventions significantly improved physical performance vs. controls. STS gains were observed for BPT vs. Con (Mean Difference, MD = 31.00; p = .0026) and BPT + FE vs. Con (MD = 19.00; p = .0026). TUG times improved for BPT vs. Con (MD = –2.07s; p = .0039) and BPT + FE vs. Con (MD = –2.43s; p = .0028). Although BDI and PDQ-39 did not show statistically significant changes between group differences (r_rb = –0.429 and –0.339, respectively), several subscales demonstrated medium effect sizes suggesting potentially meaningful trends: emotional well-being (BPT: r_rb = –0.428; BPT + FE: r_rb = –0.446), bodily discomfort (BPT: r_rb = –0.524), and activities of daily living (BPT + FE: r_rb = –0.429). In conclusion, both programs improved physical performance in PD. Patient-reported outcomes did not reach statistical significance, but effect-size patterns suggest possible psychosocial benefits that warrant confirmation in larger trials. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05963425 .