Exercise Eases Nonmotor Symptoms of PD

In addition to helping with motor symptoms, exercise can improve nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease, according to a systematic review published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.

“The potential of exercise to improve motor and nonmotor symptoms is promising and may help to decelerate disease progression in individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease,” said lead investigator Tim Stuckenschneider, MA.

The review included 11 randomized controlled trials involving 508 patients with Parkinson’s disease. The studies investigated the effects of coordination exercise, resistance exercise, and aerobic exercise on domain-specific cognitive function.

Positive effects of exercise on memory, executive function, and global cognitive function were demonstrated in four studies, which showed no negative effects on any cognitive domain, researchers reported. Moreover, disease severity was generally improved by exercise.

Although researchers concluded all modes of exercise are linked with improved cognitive function in patients with Parkinson disease, they pointed out different exercise modes may influence cognitive function in different ways. For example, aerobic exercise appeared to best improve memory, but treadmill training and stationary bike training—both of which are considered aerobic exercise—may have different effects. More high-quality studies directly comparing the effect of specific exercise types are necessary, they advised.

“As part of a holistic therapy, the potential of exercise to maintain or improve nonmotor symptoms such as cognitive function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease needs to be acknowledged, and the most effective treatment options need to be defined. This will not only help practitioners to recommend specific exercise programs, but also ultimately improve the quality of life of the individual,” said Mr. Stuckenschneider.

“Our work shows that ‘exercise is medicine’ and should routinely be recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease to help combat both the physical and cognitive challenges of the disease."

—Jolynn Tumolo

References

Stuckenschneider T, Askew CD, Menêses AL, Baake R, Weber J, Schneider S. The effect of different exercise modes on domain-specific cognitive function in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. 2019;9(1):73-95.

Exercise can improve non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease [press release]. Amsterdam, the Netherlands: IOS Press; March 4, 2019.