High-intensity Strength Training Shows Benefit for Parkinson’s Patients

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found in a recent study that high-intensity strength training produced significant improvements in quality of life, mood, and motor function in older patients with Parkinson’s disease. During the study, 15 patients with Parkinson’s disease underwent 16 weeks of high-intensity resistance training combined with interval training designed to simultaneously challenge strength, power, endurance, balance and mobility function. The lead author of the study noted that improvements were seen in strength, muscle size, power, balance, and muscle control when compared to age-matched controls who did not have Parkinson’s disease and who also did not undergo the exercise regimen. To read more about this study, click here.