A longitudinal study on physical activity in early Parkinson's disease

Physical activity (PA) remains critical in the slowing of disease progression in early Parkinson's disease (PD), although the longitudinal follow-up of such studies remain scarce. Using data from an early PD Cohort, we longitudinally examined the impact of unprescribed PA on symptoms of early PD, controlling for demographics and medications. Over five years, the reported PA in early PD declined significantly annually. When maintained, the overall PA had significant association with improved motor symptoms, cognition, and quality of life. Higher PA maintained longitudinally is associated with a slower progression of motor and non-motor symptoms, and predict better quality of life in patients with early PD.