New research suggests incorporating daily treadmill workouts into Parkinson’s treatment regimen could have significant benefits in slowing down the symptoms of the condition. These findings offer hope for non-drug treatments, such as physical activity, to play a crucial role in managing the condition.
Intensive exercise, such as running on a treadmill, has been found to trigger a surge in the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein is essential for the survival and growth of neurons in the brain, which are crucial for learning, memory, and overall brain function.
By promoting the growth and survival of neurons, BDNF enhances the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt, leading to improved cognitive function.
Additionally, BDNF helps reduce the spread of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates, which contribute to the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson’s. By limiting their spread, the dysfunction of neurons responsible for motor control is minimised, resulting in less severe motor symptoms.
Furthermore, the preservation of important neurons through increased BDNF levels helps maintain individuals’ ability to process and comprehend visual information effectively. This aspect is particularly significant as Parkinson’s disease can impact balance, coordination, and visual perception.
In a recent study, scientists discovered regular treadmill exercise for four weeks led to increased levels of BDNF in the brains of animals with early-stage Parkinson’s. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of exercise as a non-drug therapy option.
Dr Paolo Calabresi, a professor of neurology at the Rome Campus of the Catholic University of Sacred Heart, expressed optimism about the study’s implications. He said: “We have discovered a never observed mechanism, through which exercise performed in the early stages of the disease induces beneficial effects on movement control that may last over time even after training is suspended.
“In the future, it would be possible to identify new therapeutic targets and functional markers to be considered for developing non-drug treatments to be adopted in combination with current drug therapies.”
Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that affects motor function, leading to issues with balance, coordination, and involuntary movements. According to Parkinson’s UK, an estimated 145,000 people in the UK were living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, and this number is expected to increase by a fifth to around 172,000 by 2030.
Dr Calabresi and his research team are currently involved in a clinical trial to further investigate the potential benefits of intensive exercise in early-stage Parkinson’s patients. They aim to identify new markers to monitor disease progression and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms involved.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, highlights the potential of exercise as a valuable adjunct therapy for managing Parkinson’s. By incorporating physical activity into treatment plans, individuals living with the condition may experience improved outcomes and a better quality of life.
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