Intense Exercise Shown to Alleviate Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
A recent study published in the journal ‘Science Advances’ has found that intense exercise can have a positive impact on individuals with Parkinson’s disease, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall brain function, balance, and mobility. The research team discovered that incorporating high-intensity exercise in the early stages of the disease can aid individuals in maintaining motor control even after ceasing exercise.
The study’s results demonstrated that exercise can effectively sustain motor control and visual-spatial learning ability, which are often compromised due to the degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum in Parkinson’s patients.
To maximize the benefits, the research team emphasized the importance of engaging in high-intensity exercise at 80-85% of maximum heart rate for 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week. However, they advised patients to consult with medical professionals to develop an exercise program personalized to their specific needs. The team recommended low-impact activities like swimming, power walking, aqua cardio, and exercise bikes to maintain high-intensity exercise with minimal strain on the body.
In addition to promoting overall neuronal health and energy production, exercise plays a crucial role in stimulating the growth of new neurons and enhancing synaptic connections by boosting the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It also improves mitochondrial function and biosynthesis, further contributing to neuronal health.
Experts highlight that the level of exercise a Parkinson’s patient can undertake depends on their individual condition. Nonetheless, they encourage all individuals with Parkinson’s disease to incorporate regular exercise into their routine. It is important to consider the safety and effectiveness of the exercise program, especially for patients in advanced stages who may experience severe symptoms or have other underlying health conditions.
This study suggests that exercise can potentially slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease and prevent the accumulation of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in the brain. As such, it may become a vital component of the overall treatment process for Parkinson’s disease.
Overall, the findings stress the significance of intense exercise as a beneficial intervention for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, offering hope for improved symptoms and overall well-being.
– By Jaebaek Choi, Medical Correspondent
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A study has found that intense exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. (Photo = DB)
[메디컬투데이=최재백 기자] Studies have shown that intense exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
A study published in the journal ‘Science Advances’ found that intense exercise improves brain function, balance and mobility to help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The research team said that high-intensity exercise performed in the early stages of the disease can help people with Parkinson’s disease control their movements even after they stop exercising.
According to the results of the study, exercise can help to maintain motor control and visual-spatial learning ability which often deteriorates due to degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The research team emphasized that the key is to perform high-intensity exercise at 80-85% of maximum heart rate for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week, but said patients should receive an exercise program that is suitable for them in consultation with medical personnel.
They explained that they recommend ways to continue high intensity exercise with less impact on the body, such as swimming, power walking, aqua cardio, and exercise bikes.
He adds that it is useful to do progressive resistance training with increasing weights and repetitions about twice a week.
Experts say that exercise slows down the progression of Parkinson’s disease and prevents the build-up of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, and predict that exercise could be an important part of the overall Parkinson’s disease treatment process.
They explained that exercise plays a very important role in the growth of new neurons, the survival of existing neurons, and the improvement of synaptic connections by stimulating the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
In addition, exercise not only improves mitochondrial function, but also promotes the biosynthesis of new mitochondria, which has a positive effect on overall neuronal health and energy production.
Experts say the level of exercise that can be performed varies depending on the patient’s condition, but they encourage all Parkinson’s disease patients to exercise regularly.
On the other hand, Parkinson’s disease patients in advanced stages may have serious symptoms or other health diseases, so it seems necessary to set an exercise program for treatment purposes to ensure the patient’s safety and effectiveness at all times.
Today’s Medical Correspondent Jaebaek Choi (jaebaekchoi@naver.com)
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