High-intensity exercise may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease without medication.
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.
Enjoying this research? Get deeper insights like this delivered every other week.
Every other week our Premium Members receive deep dives like this alongside Rhonda's commentary and 8+ other hand-picked papers.
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.