More physical activity may mean slower Parkinson’s disease progression
National media highlights UC-led study
National media including the Washington Post, Healio and U.S. News & World Report highlighted University of Cincinnati research that found higher levels of physical activity were associated with slower declines in thinking and memory as well as slower worsening of movement symptoms for people with Parkinson’s disease.
The study was published Oct. 7 in Neurology®, the official medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
“Our study was observational, so we cannot establish causality,” study author Dong-Woo Ryu, MD, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati and The Catholic University of Korea, told Healio. “However, based on its previously reported benefits and our findings, physical activity may be a modifiable factor influencing the course of Parkinson’s disease.”
The study included 294 people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease with an average age of 66. They were followed for up to seven years as part of the Cincinnati Cohort Biomarker Program (CCBP), a large-scale longitudinal study designed to redefine the approach to patients living with neurodegenerative diseases by prioritizing biology over clinical symptoms.
Participants completed questionnaires about their physical activity, reporting weekly estimated hours of physical activity at work, at home and during hobbies or recreational activities. Moderate activity included brisk walking, doubles tennis, light swimming and household activities such as washing windows, vacuuming or mowing the lawn. Vigorous activity included jogging, fast bicycling, team sports and singles tennis as well as shoveling and carrying heavy loads.
“Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition,” Ryu continued. “The possible benefits of physical activity for people with Parkinson’s disease may depend on how long they stay active and whether they continue exercising over time."
Read the Washington Post article.
Read the U.S. News & World Report.
Featured photo at top of a man playing tennis. Photo/adamkaz/iStock Photo.
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