Regular physical activity lowers the risk of Parkinson's disease in men.
New research suggests that physical activity plays a significant role in the management and potential prevention of Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly for men. A recent review of eight studies involving over half a million participants, including 2,192 individuals with PD, has shed light on this connection.
The review, conducted over an average follow-up period of 12 years, found that exercise ranks second only to medication in the treatment of PD symptoms. Interestingly, the benefits of exercise for men in relation to PD risk are more significant than for women.
While the relationship between physical activity and the risk of developing PD does not explicitly differentiate between men and women, the review revealed a stronger connection among men, regardless of their physical activity levels. Men who exercise regularly are less likely to develop PD, and those who are not physically active have a greater risk.
The collective analysis showed that participants in the top category of physical activity had a 29 percent lower risk of developing PD, compared to those who did not engage in any moderate to vigorous physical activity. This dose-response association, where higher physical activity is linked to a reduced risk of PD, was consistent across geographical locations, follow-up durations, population sizes, and study qualities.
However, it's important to note that these studies can often be inconsistent in their methodology and data interpretation. To address this, a recent review by two independent investigators delivered more rigorous results regarding the link between PD risk and physical activity.
Research has also shown sex differences in PD symptoms. For instance, men with PD are more susceptible to cognitive impairment than women, and cognitive performance correlates with locomotor function only in men. There are also sex differences in motor unit firing behavior, even when disease severity is comparable.
Given the lack of direct evidence on the differential impact of physical activity on PD risk by sex, it is reasonable to infer that both men and women may benefit from regular physical activity in reducing the risk of PD. However, further research is needed to elucidate any sex-specific effects.
As Men's Health Week approaches, the theme of "Keeping boys and men healthy" underscores the importance of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle in maintaining overall health and potentially reducing the risk of PD. It's a reminder for everyone, regardless of gender, to prioritise physical activity as part of their daily routine.
- Regular exercise not only aids in the management and potential prevention of Parkinson's disease (PD) but also reduces the risk of developing PD by 29% for those in the top category of physical activity, according to a review that analyzed the impact of fitness-and-exercise on health-and-wellness, specifically for men.
- In addition to its proven role in the treatment of PD symptoms, which ranks second only to medication, physical activity exhibits more significant benefits in relation to PD risk for men, compared to women, suggesting a potential role for fitness-and-exercise in mens-health.
- While the research on the differential impact of physical activity on PD risk by sex is still developing, it has been observed that men with PD are more susceptible to neurological-disorders such as cognitive impairment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining overall health and wellness, including regular physical activity, as a key strategy for mens-health.
