Exercise linked to lower Parkinson's risk

Incorporating regular exercise into their routines could significantly reduce women's risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a recent study indicates. Engaging in activities like cycling, walking, gardening, cleaning, and sports may lead to a notable decrease in the likelihood of this condition, which currently has no cure.

The study, published by Alexis Elbaz of the Inserm research center in Paris, France, found that women who were most active experienced a 25% lower incidence of Parkinson's compared to their least active counterparts. This discovery is based on an extensive research project involving 95,354 women, primarily teachers with an average age of 49, who were monitored over a 30-year period. During this time, 1,074 participants were diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Participants detailed their physical activities through up to six questionnaires over the course of the study, reporting on daily walks, stair climbing, household chores, gardening, and sports. These activities were evaluated using the metabolic equivalent of a task (METs) to assess energy expenditure, with more vigorous activities like cycling rated higher than lighter tasks such as walking or cleaning.

At the onset of the research, the average physical activity level was 45 METs-hours per week. The women were divided into four groups, with the most active group averaging 71 METs-hours weekly and the least active group at 27. Notably, there were fewer Parkinson's cases among the most active women—246 compared to 286 in the group that exercised the least.

The study also observed that physical activity levels tended to decline more sharply in the decade preceding a Parkinson's diagnosis, likely due to the onset of early symptoms. This pattern underscores the potential of exercise not only as a preventive measure but also as an indicator of early disease onset.

Researchers accounted for various factors, including residential area, menstrual history, menopausal status, smoking habits, diet, and existing health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Even after these adjustments, the data consistently showed a 25% reduced risk of Parkinson's among the most physically active women, a finding that remained stable when assessing activity levels up to 15 or 20 years before diagnosis.

Elbaz emphasizes that this evidence should encourage the development of intervention programs aimed at preventing Parkinson's disease through increased physical activity. Highlighting exercise as a cost-effective strategy for enhancing overall health, the study's findings advocate for the integration of regular physical activity into women's lifestyles as a means of potentially safeguarding against this debilitating condition.