Physical exercise for Parkinson’s disease: Clinical and experimental evidence

Background: National projections about the increase in the elderly population over 60 years bring with it an increase in the number of people affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD), making it an important public health problem. Therefore, the establishment of effective strategies for intervention in people with PD needs to be more clearly investigated. Objective: The study aimed to report the effectiveness of exercise on functional capacity and neurobiological mechanisms in people with PD. Methods: This study is a critical review of the literature. Results: The progressive death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is described as one of the main physiological mechanisms manifested before PD, directly interfering with motor behavior. However, PD is not only related to motor symptoms, but also to cognitive, autonomic, and mood impairments. Such effects may be attenuated by pharmacological influence, but also evidence suggests that the implementation of regular physical exercise programs may exhibit potential benefits over PD. The synthesis and expression of monoaminergic neurotransmitters can act positively on motor disorders, as well as directly or indirectly influence the neuronal plasticity of the brain, restoring neuronal pathways previously affected. Conclusion: Physical exercise contributes effectively to the treatment of PD, and can play a preventive and maintenance role of physical fitness and mental health