Aerobic exercise improves symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a comprehensive analysis of several studies has found. The beneficial effects of exercise lasted up to six months post-intervention.

Researchers analyzed the findings of 20 studies involving 450 people with Parkinson’s disease. The studies, which lasted between three weeks and six months, employed a variety of aerobic exercise interventions, such as treadmill training, walking, cycling, dancing, and others.

They found that participants who engaged in regular aerobic exercise performed better on tests of mobility, balance, stride/step length, gait velocity, and motor function than those who did not. One of the studies found that the effects on motor function endured up to six months after the intervention ended. Two of the studies showed that exercise also improved the participants' quality of life.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the destruction of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. It typically manifests later in life and is characterized by tremors, poor balance, and a shuffling gait.

These findings support the use of exercise as a means to improve many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Learn more about the importance of exercise in managing Parkinson’s disease in this episode featuring Dr. Giselle Petzinger.

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