Immune regulatory mechanisms of different exercise methods promoting Parkinson's rehabilitation: A narrative review

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second largest and most common neurodegenerative disease globally, following Alzheimer disease. Its pathological features include the deformation and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain, as well as the aggregation of α-synuclein in the form of Lewy bodies. This leads to motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including cognitive, emotional, and sleep disorders. Currently, PD is mainly treated by medication and surgery. Medication, though widely used, has limited efficacy and causes adverse reactions. With the intensification of global aging and the annual increase in the incidence of PD, the limitations of existing treatment approaches have become increasingly prominent, and there is an urgent need to explore safer and more effective treatment strategies. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that exercise rehabilitation training can not only effectively ameliorate the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients, but also promote the generation of neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and hormones, and regulate the dopaminergic system. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and effects of different exercise rehabilitation training methods in the treatment of PD holds great significance for refining the comprehensive treatment plan for PD and enhancing the quality of life of patients. This article will conduct a comprehensive review of the mechanisms and effects of various exercise rehabilitation training methods in treating PD.