Physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of people living Parkinson's disease (PD), researchers have concluded.

Researchers found PD sufferers can benefit from physical activity, especially when it comes to improving gait and balance, and reducing risks of falls.

A total of 106 studies conducted over the past 30 year were analysed, resulting in 868 outcomes. These outcomes were grouped into four main categories to determine whether physical activity had a positive effect on each category. The categories were (1) physical capacities, (2) physical and cognitive functional capacities, (3) clinical symptoms of PD and (4) psychosocial aspects of life. They further subdivided these categories into subcategories.

Results showed that physical activity was most effective for benefiting physical capacity (strength and flexibility), and physical and cognitive functional capacity (gait, mobility, cognitive functions). More than 55 per cent of all studies found positive effects in these two main categories. Some subcategories, such as upper limb strength, saw an improvement in almost 67 per cent of all studies.

Despite this, physical activity was less efficient at improving the other two categories; clinical symptoms of PD and psychosocial aspects of life, with only 50 per cent or less of results reporting positive effects.

The research paper concluded that a “physical activity programme that engages the musculo-skeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as cognitive functions, has the potential to have a positive effect on the lives of patients with PD”. It added that health professionals “should therefore set realistic goals with their patients” when it comes to physical activity.

Professor Christian Duval, who was part of at the research team at University of Québec in Montreal, Canada, said: “Exercise should be a life-long commitment to avoid physical and cognitive decline, and our research shows that this is also true for individuals with PD."

Lead author Martine Lauzé also of University of Québec, added: “Fortunately, studies show that all people may benefit from being more physically active. No matter their age and condition, it is never too late to start.”