Exercise improves quality of life for Parkinson's patients

The catchphrase "use it or lose it" has taken on new significance for Parkinson's disease patients after new research that shows exercise can slow the progress of the illness.

A Pittsburgh University study has found that exercise had a major impact on rats given a toxin that induced Parkinson's disease, a progressive condition which affects about 7000 New Zealanders when insufficient quantities of the chemical dopamine are produced by the brain. Another 2000 have related conditions.

Parkinson's disease is characterised by trembling, rigid posture, slow movements and a shuffling, unbalanced gait.

The researchers are now planning a pilot study with human volunteers - people with the condition will be given 60-minute exercise routines three times a week.

"This study strengthens the argument that for people with Parkinson's exercise is a strategic component, helping to improve body strength and muscle tone, and slowing the progression of the condition," said Parkinson's New Zealand national director Deirdre O'Sullivan.

The researchers examined the brains of rats that had exercised for seven days before receiving the toxin, and compared these animals to rats that had not been exercised before receiving the toxin. Fewer dopamine-containing nerve cells, or neurons, died in the exercised rats compared to the sedentary rats.

- NZPA