Enhancing neuroplasticity in the basal ganglia: The role of exercise in Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Epidemiological and clinical trials have suggested that exercise is beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms and potential for disease modification are currently unknown. This review presents current findings from our laboratories in patients with PD and animal models. The data indicate that alterations in both dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, induced by activity-dependent (exercise) processes, may mitigate the cortically driven hyper-excitability in the basal ganglia normally observed in the parkinsonian state. These insights have potential to identify novel therapeutic treatments capable of reversing or delaying disease progression in PD.

Effects of a Multimodal Exercise Program on Clinical, Functional Mobility and Cognitive Parameters of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease Patients

“…Several studies had pointed out a positive exercise effect on brain function, as neural growth (Zigmond et al, 2009), higher neurotransmissors use efficiency (Petzinger et al, 2010) and angiogenesis (Hirsch & Farley, 2009). According to Tajiri et al (2010), exercise can enhance synaptic plasticity with a re-construction of cortical path network on PD induced rat models.…”

Strategies to encourage physical activity in patients with Parkinson's disease: improving quality of life

“…48,49 Numerous studies support use of exercise in modulating brain function in individuals with PD. [50][51][52][53] Petzinger et al 35,54,55 and several other researchers 56,57 were able to demonstrate that intensive treadmill training over 24 sessions showed an improvement in gait velocity, stride length, step length, and hip and ankle joint excursion. Improvement of weight distribution during sit-to-stand through the use of transmagnetic stimulation during these treadmill training sessions showed exercise-induced lengthening of cortical changes.…”

The functional fitness capacity of adults with Down syndrome in South Africa

“…The benefits of regular aerobic exercise have also been observed in populations with dementia (Teri et al, 2008;Kwak et al, 2006), Parkinson's (Hackney et al, 2009;Petzinger et al, 2010), arthritis (Metsios et al, 2008), hypertension (Smith et al, 2010;, systolic dysfunction (Smart et al, 2007), and diabetes (De Feo et al, 2006).…”