Study shows exercise may help Parkinson's patients

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – Promising new work in the field of exercise may help some Parkinson's patients regain some lost control of their motor skills.

A new study has found that weight training for two years may improve the motor symptoms of those who live with Parkinson 's disease.

"Slowing this progression or altering the progression is really the single greatest unmet medical need in Parkinson's. And to date, there haven't been any positive pharmacological interventions or surgical interventions that have been effective in slowing disease progression." said Dr. Jay Alberts of the Cleveland Clinic.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found separated 48 patients into two groups. One group did weight training, while the other used flexibility, balance and strengthening exercises to manage the disease.

The results of the study show that both forms of exercise reduced motor symptoms after 6 months, but those in the weight training group seemed to slow the progression of the disease even after two years.

Researchers say that weight training could be an important component in managing Parkinson's disease, and Dr. Alberts believes it also empowers the patient:

"Rather than being a passive recipient to medication or even a surgical procedure, now the patient is an active participant in the treatment of their disease. And from a mental health status or a cognitive standpoint- that's very empowering because now they now have something to contribute in the fight against the disease."

The results will be presented nationwide to all physicians treating Parkinson's patients.

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Study shows exercise may help Parkinson's patients