The Impact of Exercise on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease Progression

Luis Crespo

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Health Professions and Human Services

Major: BS.EXSC/PREAT/PT

Faculty Research Mentor: Ross, Donald  

Abstract:

This paper explores the effects of physical exercise on motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, and disease progression in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Synthesizing findings from six recent studies, the research demonstrates that various forms of exercise can significantly improve motor function, including gait, balance, mobility and coordination. These improvements are supported by clinical measures such as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and functional tests. Non-motor symptoms, particularly quality of life and depression, also show modest to substantial benefits, especially following interventions like aqua based training and boxing. Although direct measures of disease progression are limited multiple studies show slowed functional decline and neuroprotection through improvements in symptoms severity and biomarkers. Improvements in biological mechanisms such as enhanced brain body communication, reduced neuroinflammation, and stimulation of dopamine pathways were also reported, suggesting that exercise may positively influence the underlying pathophysiology of PD. Together, the evidence suggests that physical exercise can be a clinically valuable and, biologically supported strategy for managing and potentially modifying the course of PD.