A study published in the Journal for Neurological Sciences highlighted a team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio who split a group of 59-participants into two groups who have Parkinson's disease. Three days a week for 8-weeks both groups completed a 40-minute stationary bike ride. However, one-group rode at a faster pace, while the other group rode at a slower pace.
At the conclusion of the 8-week period, the high intensity exercise group scored quite higher on measures, while both groups demonstrated better measures.
Parkinson's is a degenerative disease of the brain that affects one-million Americans. Over time, people lose the ability to speak, muscle coordination, as well as problems with thinking, mood and memory. And according to a 2018 research review from Mayo Clinic, no drug has been able to slow the progression of the disease, except exercise. Exercise according to the Mayo Clinic has a direct effect that can improve symptoms and in some cases delay the advance of the disease because exercise can raise the brain's levels of certain chemicals that reduce the loss of neurons that promote thinking and cognitive function.
From pain conditions, auto immune disease, cancer and heart disease to depression, the health community recognizes the powerful therapeutic benefits of physical activity for those who are unwell.
Exercise is not a new treatment, but one that has been prescribed since 600 B.C. where exercise was part of ancient Chinese medicine. Similar, during the 1800's physical education came about because of physicians who oversaw some of the first gymnasiums in the country. The physicians believed physical activity was important for the treatment of disease and improved health of patients.
There is also research showing exercise can improve anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. There's also evidence that exercise can help manage chronic pain such as arthritis. And there's more data coming in years ahead due to the largest government funded study currently being conducted on the effects of exercise on the body.
In June 2015, the National Institute of Health announced a $170-million research effort to better understand the effects of exercise on the human body, known as the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity, the trial will include thousands of people, animal and lab specimens. When the trial is complete, there will be data for physicians to determine whether exercise may or may not be as effective as a medication or pill.
For patients suffering from chronic conditions exercise can seem daunting. You do not need to run marathons to obtain the benefits of exercise. Start small, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park a little farther away from the entrance of a store. The American Heart Association recommends 150-300minutes of activity each week. This can be broken up into as little as 5-minutes of walking, every little bit adds up.
Scientists believe the NIH study will produce research that will change the way exercise is viewed and pave the way for a return of historic roots where moderate exercise plays a critical role in managing and preventing disease.
