Walking improves mood, eases fatigue in those with Parkinson's disease

People walk in Topanga Canyon. (Beatrice de Gea / Los Angeles Times)

MARY MACVEANcontact the reporter

Diseases and IllnessesMedical Research

Another reason to walk: Study shows benefits to Parkinson's symptoms

Study finds improved executive functioning when people with Parkinson's walk briskly

Exercise boosts quality of life for those with Parkinson's, study indicates

In yet another endorsement for getting on your feet and walking, researchers said 

Wednesday that people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease may improve their 

motor function, mood, fatigue levels and more by taking regular aerobic walks

“The results of our study suggest that walking may 

provide a safe and easily accessible way of improving 

the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve

 quality of life,” the lead author of the study said. 

Dr. Ergun Uc of the University of Iowa and the
 Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City 
and colleagues published their findings in the
 journal Neurology.

The researchers tracked 49 people ages 50 to 80 

who had mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. They wore electronic heart and walking 
speed monitors, and were asked to keep a diary of their exercise. Some walked in groups, 
others on their own. Their average walking speed was 2.9 mph

Over six months, improvement came in aerobic fitness, as it would for most people. But the researchers also reported improvements -- outside of those from any medication -- in motor function, fatigue levels, mood, aspects of executive function and quality of life.

The researchers concluded that people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease could benefit from following the federal guidelines recommending 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity for people ages 18 to 65.

More work is needed, in part because this study did not include a control group, the researchers noted. But it did demonstrate that this group of people can safely take part in 
aerobic walking.