Study links physical activity to slower Parkinson's progression

A study by the University of Cincinnati suggests that regular physical activity could slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. The research followed 294 patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, aged on average 66.4 years, over a period of up to seven years.

Participants evaluated annually

Participants were evaluated annually on their cognitive performance using the MoCA test (scoring from 0 to 30) and their motor symptoms using the MDS-UPDRS-III scale (scoring from 0 to 132). These assessments helped track changes in memory and movement over time.

Physical activity measured in detail

Participants completed questionnaires about their physical activity, including the estimated number of hours per week spent on physical activity at work, at home, and during leisure time. Moderate activity included brisk walking, doubles tennis, light swimming, and household tasks such as washing windows, vacuuming, or mowing the lawn.

Activity levels categorized

Intense activity included jogging, fast cycling, team sports, singles tennis, and tasks such as raking and carrying heavy loads. The study categorized weekly physical activity into three groups: low-activity (up to four hours per week), moderate-activity (from...), and higher activity levels.

Findings suggest a protective effect

The findings suggest that regular physical activity is associated with a slowing of the decline in memory and motor disorders. However, the specific conditions under which this effect occurs and the limitations for both brain function and motor skills remain to be fully understood.