Aerobic Exercise Preserves Olfaction Function in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Olfactory dysfunction is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Anecdotal evidence suggests aerobic exercise may improve olfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on olfactory function in individuals with PD.

Main Methods:

• 38 participants with idiopathic PD were randomized into an aerobic exercise group (n=23) or a non-exercise control group (n=15).
• The exercise group cycled 3 times/week for 60 minutes over 8 weeks.
• Olfactory function was assessed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) at baseline, end of treatment, and 4-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• The aerobic exercise group showed significantly better UPSIT scores compared to the control group at the end of treatment (p=0.01) and 4-week follow-up (p=0.02).
• While the control group's olfaction declined, the exercise group maintained their smell function.

Conclusions:

• Aerobic exercise may positively influence central nervous system pathways involved in olfaction in PD patients.
• These findings suggest exercise could be a potential intervention to modify olfactory decline in Parkinson's disease, warranting further research.