Study links weekly physical activity to slower Parkinson's decline

A new study led by the University of Cincinnati found that weekly physical activity may slow the progression of cognitive and motor symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. The research, published Oct. 7 in Neurology, the official medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, involved 294 participants with an average age of 66.

Researchers assessed the participants' physical activity through structured interviews and questionnaires covering moderate and vigorous activities at work, home, and during recreation. Moderate activities included brisk walking, light swimming, doubles tennis, and household tasks like vacuuming or mowing the lawn. Vigorous activities encompassed jogging, fast bicycling, team sports, singles tennis, shoveling, and carrying heavy loads.

Participants were categorized into three groups based on their weekly activity levels: up to four hours, four to eight hours, and more than eight hours. The study monitored cognitive health for up to five years and motor function for up to seven years. Each additional hour of physical activity per week was associated with slightly slower declines in memory, thinking, and movement abilities, even after adjusting for age, sex, education, weight, and disease severity.

Patients who engaged in four to eight hours of physical activity per week experienced slower declines in memory and thinking compared to those who exercised less than four hours. However, the study did not find that exercise durations above eight hours per week provided additional benefits for memory and thinking.

Dong-Woo Ryu, M.D., Ph.D., a study author from the University of Cincinnati and The Catholic University of Korea, noted that Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder causing gradual movement and cognitive problems. He stated that previous research linked physical activity to movement symptoms, but this study found associations with slower declines in both movement and cognition. Ryu emphasized that the potential benefits may depend on the duration of activity and whether patients continue exercising over time.

Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, who was not involved in the research, highlighted that exercise has well-established benefits for physical fitness and mobility. He added that the findings emphasize the importance of regular physical activity in managing Parkinson’s disease. Sharma noted that one strength of the study was the multi-year follow-up assessing both motor and cognitive functions.

The researchers acknowledged several limitations. Because the study was observational, it could not establish whether exercise directly slows disease progression. Since participants self-reported their physical activity, their memories of exercise amounts might not have been accurate. Additionally, the participants were all located at a single site and were primarily White, which could limit the generalizability of the results. Sharma suggested that patients with inherently slower-progressing disease might be more likely to remain physically active.

The study team stated that randomized studies are needed to confirm whether exercise directly slows cognitive or motor decline. Funding for the research came from the Gardner Family Foundation and the Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases Fund.