Scientific Evidence Supports Exercise as a Beneficial Treatment for Parkinson's Disease Patients

Recent scientific research underscores the importance of physical activity as a vital component in managing Parkinson's disease (PD). A growing body of evidence from studies, including pivotal work conducted at CU Anschutz Medical Campus, demonstrates that exercise not only alleviates motor symptoms but may also slow the progression of the disease. For individuals like Sarah Schoentgen, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago, establishing a rigorous exercise routine has resulted in notable improvements such as better mood, increased strength, and enhanced mobility.

Schoentgen, now 79, actively engages in walking, stationary biking, and strength training, often under the guidance of personal trainers. Her commitment exemplifies how integrating exercise into daily life can positively affect disease outcomes. The emphasis on exercise was reinforced when a movement disorder specialist highlighted its critical role shortly after her diagnosis.

Research over the past decade, led by scientists including Cory Christiansen, Ph.D., has established a link between physical activity and dopamine function—an essential neurotransmitter deficient in Parkinson's. Animal studies and clinical trials, such as the 2018 Study in Parkinson's Disease of Exercise (SPARX), reveal that high-intensity treadmill training at 80-85% of maximum heart rate is both safe and effective.

Most significantly, these studies suggest that exercise can reduce the rate at which motor symptoms worsen. Christiansen emphasizes that, currently, exercise is the most effective first-line therapy for PD, offering hope for better management of symptoms and disease progression. Ongoing research, including the upcoming SPARX3 trial, aims to establish optimal exercise doses and intensities to help patients in early stages of the disease. The findings could lead to developing precise guidelines for exercise prescriptions that benefit individuals fighting Parkinson's.

Patients like Mahowald report increased strength and improved quality of life from participating in these programs, with some returning to personal training and daily activities with renewed confidence. As research progresses, exercise continues to emerge as a powerful tool in Parkinson's care, potentially transforming how the disease is managed in the future.