Physical activity linked to slower Parkinson's progression

A study published in the journal Neurology suggests that higher levels of physical activity are correlated with a slower decline in cognitive function, memory, and motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

The research, led by Dong-Woo Ryu from the University of Cincinnati, monitored 294 participants with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease for up to seven years. The study focused on participants with an average age of 66. Researchers categorized activity into three groups based on weekly hours: low activity (up to four hours), moderate activity (four to eight hours), and high activity (more than eight hours).

Physical activities assessed included moderate tasks such as brisk walking, light swimming, and household chores like vacuuming or mowing the lawn, as well as vigorous activities like jogging, fast cycling, and heavy lifting. While the study identifies a correlation between increased activity and slower disease progression, researchers noted it does not prove that physical activity causes the slower progression.