A little Walking Helps Alleviate Symptoms of Parkinson's

Statistics show that as many as 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease: a progressive neurodegenerative disease that may be linked to both genetic and environmental factors.

For those suffering from the problem, a recent study shows that a little regular walking could help to greatly alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, findings from the journal Neurology show that it could even improve motor function, food, fatigue, fitness and cognitive issues related to the health problem. 

"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," study author Ergun Y. Uc, MD, with the University of Iowa in Iowa City and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Iowa City, said in a news release.

For the study, researchers examined 60 people who participated in sessions of walking at moderate intensity. All participants were asked to wear heart rate monitors three times a week for 45 minutes per session half of the year.

Study results showed that on average, walking speed was about 2.9 miles per hour, and 47 percent of the participants met moderate intensity aerobic exercise. Furthermore, researchers discovered that walking actually enhanced motor function and mood for 15 percent of those involved. Response control skills went up in about 14 percent while reduced tiredness was at 11 and aerobic fitness hit 7 percent of the study sample.

"People with mild-moderate Parkinson's who do not have dementia and are able to walk independently without a cane or walker can safely follow the recommended exercise guidelines for healthy adults, which includes 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity, and experience benefits."