Exercise improves symptoms by changing the way the brain works
Researchers in the Netherlands discover that regular exercise may improve Parkinson’s symptoms by creating connections between areas of the brain affected by the condition.
The importance of exercise
Keeping active is important for our physical and mental wellbeing.
For people with Parkinson’s, exercise can help manage physical symptoms and others such as sleep problems, fatigue, mood and mental health. For some, it can be as important as medication to help manage symptoms.
What the research involved
The research involved a study called Park-in-Shape that compared the benefits of vigorous exercise to stretching over 6 months.
130 people took part, with half cycling on a stationary bike and the other half stretching, 3 times a week for 30-45 minutes. People in the exercise group were instructed to cycle at 50-80% of heart rate reserve.
At the start and end of the study, people took part in cognitive tests and brain scans.
What the study found
The study highlights that vigorous exercise may change the structure and function of the brain. Read the published study in Annals of Neurology.
After 6 months, people in the exercise group developed more connections between important brain areas and performed better on cognitive tests. Similar benefits were not seen in the stretching group.
The team also looked at the loss of cells across the whole brain by measuring brain volume. A reduction in brain volume is typically linked with ageing and cognitive decline. They found that, over the course of the study, the stretching group lost more brain volume than the exercise group.
Dr Beckie Port, Research Communications Manager, comments:
''While researchers have known about the beneficial effects of exercise for some time, how exercise improves Parkinson’s symptoms is still much of a mystery.
''These findings highlight the positive and protective effects that exercise can have on the brain in a relatively short amount of time. With growing evidence of the importance of physical exercise, there really is no better time to start.
''The best exercise to do depends on the way Parkinson’s affects you. Whether you're new to exercise or looking to add to your routine, read our suggestions and advice on staying active on our website.''
Exercise is good for you
It's especially good for you if you have Parkinson's.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best exercise to do depends on the way Parkinson's affects you.