Regular exercise, even if moderate, helps ease motor symptoms: Study

A recent study found that 10 weeks of either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training reduced motor symptoms by 25% and eased fatigue in adults with Parkinson’s disease. These improvements highlight the importance of exercise as a supportive treatment for the condition, with a 25% reduction in symptoms being described as "very significant" by study lead Philip Millar, PhD, from the University of Guelph. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and supported by Parkinson Canada, involved 29 participants aged 45 to 79 who exercised three times a week. Both types of exercise improved cardiorespiratory fitness, with HIIT showing greater benefits. Notably, motor symptoms and fatigue improved in both groups, indicating that patients can choose the exercise mode they prefer without losing benefits. HIIT also increased knee muscle endurance more than continuous training, potentially enhancing mobility and physical function. This research underscores the critical role of exercise in Parkinson's care and the need for further studies to guide exercise recommendations.