Recent findings underscore the critical role of exercise in slowing the progression and managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to a 2024 analysis in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Contrary to earlier beliefs that medication alone is central to the management of Parkinson’s, a growing body of research highlights how regular, vigorous physical activity may significantly reduce both the severity and speed of symptom progression. For Thai readers—with the nation’s ageing society and increased diagnosis of chronic conditions—these findings offer actionable hope and clear guidelines for living with and managing the disease.
The urgency of these developments relates to the rise in Parkinson’s disease globally and in Thailand. With the country’s over-60 population growing rapidly, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s are becoming ever more common, straining families and the healthcare system. According to a 2020 report by the Department of Disease Control, Parkinson’s affects approximately 120,000 Thais, a number projected to increase with the country’s demographic trends. Traditionally, disease management has focused on medications that help control movement and non-motor symptoms, but these treatments often fall short in fully alleviating symptoms such as impaired balance, depression, and cognitive problems.
Key research now shows that physical activity not only alleviates both motor symptoms (such as walking, balance, and coordination problems) and non-motor symptoms (including depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders), but may also slow the underlying neurological degeneration that drives Parkinson’s. In one study cited in the 2024 analysis, 237 people with early-stage Parkinson’s were tracked for five years. Those who maintained a regular exercise regimen experienced a noticeably slower decline in their ability to perform everyday tasks compared to those who did not engage in regular physical activity (AARP.org).
An exercise physiologist from Aarhus University, a Danish research institution, emphasized: “Exercise has multiple clinical benefits in Parkinson’s disease. It actually addresses both motor and non-motor symptoms.” Studies have indicated that physical activity can improve coordination, balance, gait, and reduce the risk of falls—symptoms that are notoriously difficult to treat with medication alone.
The mechanism behind these benefits is both physical and neurological. Exercise seems to promote “neuroplasticity”—the brain’s ability to change and adapt. “There are a few studies, using PET scans of the brain, that show that after six months of aerobic exercise, dopamine levels increase in the brain,” the Aarhus University researcher explained. Dopamine is critical for movement and mood, both deeply impacted by Parkinson’s.
A particularly notable 2024 small-scale study found high-intensity exercise—such as cardio and strength training done three times weekly—may even slow the actual neurodegeneration caused by the disease. MRI and PET scans of participants showed that, after six months, dopamine-producing cells appeared healthier in the vast majority.
Experts from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association agree. A movement disorder specialist there suggests that after meals, “take a walk around the block, get everything moving,” recommending exercise as one of the first-line responses to common Parkinson’s-related issues like slowed digestion.
But there are nuances: Not all exercise is created equal. The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise, including 90 minutes of “cardio” activity. Aerobic activities like dancing, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and tennis are recommended, balanced with strength training and exercises that build balance and agility. Thai healthcare providers suggest starting with an assessment from a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s to tailor programs to each person’s needs.
The most beneficial activities are those that challenge both body and mind. “Learning something new, learning how to move in a new way, can change the biology of the brain,” noted an expert, referring to activities such as dance, which combines physical movement with new skill acquisition. A 2024 study at Canada’s National Ballet School found that weekly dance classes led to fewer depressive symptoms and biological signs of depression among participants with Parkinson’s, an effect not only due to physical movement but also the mental challenges and social interactions involved.
This holds particular cultural resonance in Thailand, where communal activities—traditional dance, group exercise in parks, and even community boxing sessions—are longstanding features of daily life, especially for older adults. Thai-style aerobic dance, practiced in city parks throughout Bangkok, is not only a form of exercise but also an avenue for social engagement, both shown to boost psychological well-being.
New trends suggest boxing may also help, with research showing that non-contact boxing programs improve both motor and non-motor symptoms. Boxing provides combinations of aerobic exercise, strength, and agility drills, alongside the benefits of group camaraderie.
Importantly, researchers emphasize that the benefits of exercise are accessible regardless of one’s starting level of fitness or disease stage. In long-term studies, individuals experienced benefits whether they were new to exercise or already physically active. “Start with whatever is a challenge for you and work your way up,” advises the principal medical advisor at The Michael J. Fox Foundation, who also cautioned against overexertion, recommending a personalized balance that challenges but doesn’t exhaust or injure.
In the Thai context, this makes exercise an affordable and widely accessible disease management strategy. Public parks and sports facilities, often free or low-cost, offer venues for group aerobics, tai chi, or dance. The Ministry of Public Health can incorporate tailored exercise programs into community health centers, and professional guidance can be sourced from local physical therapists or specialists affiliated with leading institutions such as Siriraj Hospital and Chulalongkorn University, which have specialized neurology programs.
For Thai patients and caregivers, building regular exercise into daily life brings physical, psychological, and social rewards, potentially reducing the reliance on medication and delaying severe disability. Family involvement—whether engaging in shared walks, cycling, or dance—can also motivate and ensure consistency, fitting naturally within extended-family households common in Thai culture.
Looking forward, researchers anticipate larger-scale trials will confirm the neuroprotective effects of vigorous exercise. “We knew that exercise was good for symptoms, but this study shows that it’s actually neuroprotective,” noted a Yale School of Medicine neurologist, pointing to promising initial findings from brain imaging studies.
Future directions in Thailand may include integrating exercise as a core component of national guidelines for Parkinson’s care, expanding collaboration between neurology departments, physical therapists, and local community centers, and encouraging medical schools to train more specialists in movement disorders and exercise rehabilitation.
Practical steps for Thai readers with Parkinson’s—or those caring for affected loved ones—include consulting a medical professional before starting any new exercise program; aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week; choosing enjoyable activities (like traditional or contemporary dance, brisk walking with friends, or boxing classes); and including mind-challenging movements wherever possible. Local healthcare providers, particularly at leading teaching hospitals, can guide personalized regimens.
The evidence is clear: exercise is no longer a mere adjunct, but a central pillar in the management of Parkinson’s disease. For Thailand’s growing population of seniors and their families, embracing regular, challenging physical activity promises tangible improvements in mobility, mood, and long-term independence.
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