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Researchers in Korea have developed an at-home exercise program to help patients suffering from Parkinson's disease improve their motor function and reduce depression.

The National Institute of Health of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Tuesday that the safety and suitability of the program was proven through its clinical research, in which more than 80 percent of the participants completed more than half of the program.

"The effect of the program was confirmed while no particular side effects were identified during the clinical research," an official from the institute said.

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder causing unintended or uncontrollable movements. Symptoms such as shaking and difficulty with balance usually begin gradually and worsen over time.

The disease usually occurs in old age. About 1 to 2 percent of people aged 65 or older have this disease.

The institute said the number of cases in Korea has been increasing gradually due to the aging population. In 2016, 96,499 patients were reported and the number rose by 15.4 percent to 111,311 in 2020.

Patients can use the at-home exercise program by visiting the website — https://www.parkinson.co.kr — or downloading the Doctor Parkinson mobile application.

The researchers stressed the need to exercise consistently for the therapy to have effect.

"We will continue to support development of technologies needed to improve quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease," said Park Hyeon-young, director of the National Institute of Health.