Aerobic Exercise Enhances Function in Early Parkinson’s Patients

PARKINSON disease outcomes may be stronger in early-stage patients who maintain regular long-term aerobic exercise habits.

Regular moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise may help preserve physical function in early-stage Parkinson disease, according to a cross-sectional study comparing active and low-active individuals with Parkinson disease to healthy controls.

The study assessed 70 low-active individuals with Parkinson disease, 35 highly active individuals, and 35 healthy controls. Highly active participants were defined as engaging in moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise at least twice weekly for over three months.

Assessments included a broad range of motor, physical, cognitive, and patient-reported outcomes. Highly active individuals outperformed low-active participants across several key metrics. While cognitive function varied slightly, both groups of Parkinson patients demonstrated similar processing speeds, although healthy controls performed better overall.

The findings highlight that regular engagement in moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise may mitigate motor decline in early-stage Parkinson’s Disease, supporting its integration into comprehensive management strategies.