People that did high-intensity exercise 3x per week had no change in symptoms compared to the no-exercise group which experienced a 15% worsening of symptoms over 6 months.

This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial that consisted of patients with Parkinson’s disease that were not taking any medication and were randomized into three groups. High-intensity exercise at 80-85% maximum heart rate, high-intensity exercise at 60-65% maximum heart rate, and no exercise.

The more intense the exercise the better the results. Those that exercised at 85% maximum heart rate had no change in disease progression. Those that exercised at 65% maximum heart rate had a 7.5% worsening of symptoms. Those in the no-exercise group which experienced a 15% worsening of symptoms.