Aerobic exercise and early parkinson's disease

Abstract

The effects of 12 weeks of twice-weekly aerobic exercise were investigated in a group of 13 persons with early Parkinson's disease (PD), compared with 13 nonexercising parkinsonians. Pertinent relationships between variables were also examined. Exercise class participation increased cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual activity level and marginally improved mood. No change was noted regarding severity of parkinsonian signs. Functional ability remained stable in the exercise group, but decreased in the control group. Results indicate that participation in an aerobic exercise program can result in gains in cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual activity levels, improving mood while maintaining functional ability; these benefits can be gained without worsening the neurologic signs of persons with early PD. Greater cardiorespiratory fitness was shown to becorre lated with greater functional activity and ability. Such relationships highlight the importance of minimizing the signs of the disease and maintaining functional activity as a preliminary step to minimizing the cardiorespiratory complications common to PD. © 1996 Demos Vermande.