High-intensity exercise can help reduce worsening symptoms among early-stage Parkinson's disease patients, according to a study published in JAMA Neurology.
Researchers examined patients enrolled in the Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise, or SPARX, who had early-stage Parkinson's and were not taking any medication for it. Of 128 SPARX study participants, researchers recruited two-thirds for the current study published in JAMA Neurology.
The participants exercised three times a week for six months at high intensity (80 to 85 percent of maximum heart rate) and moderate intensity (60 to 65 percent of maximum heart rate). Researchers compared them to a control group who did not exercise.
The study shows that those who exercised at high intensity experienced delayed progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms as compared to those who did not exercise. Moderate intensity workouts did not have any effect on symptoms.