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For people with Parkinson's disease, higher levels of physical activity were associated with slower declines in thinking and memory as well as slower worsening of movement symptoms, according to a new study published in Neurology. The study does not prove that more physical activity causes slower progression of the disease; it only shows an association between the two.

"Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes movement and cognitive problems that gradually worsen, leading to disability and a loss of independence," said study author Dong-Woo Ryu of the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.

"Previous research has shown associations between physical activity and movement symptoms. Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition."

The study included 294 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease with an average age of 66. They were followed for up to seven years.

Participants completed questionnaires about their physical activity, reporting estimated weekly hours of physical activity at work, at home and during hobbies or recreational activities. Moderate activity included brisk walking, doubles tennis, light swimming and household activities such as washing windows, vacuuming or mowing the lawn. Vigorous activity included jogging, fast bicycling, team sports and singles tennis as well as shoveling and carrying heavy loads.

Researchers measured the following: total physical activity time, which included both moderate and vigorous exercise; total physical activity volume, a calculation of activity time and intensity, with greater weight given to vigorous activities; and vigorous physical activity time.

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