THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF MOTOR FUNCTIONING IN PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Its most common symptoms are motor disorders. So far, no effective forms of treatment have been found, nor have any diagnostic methods been identified that would allow for diagnosis at an early stage. For this reason, clinical trials have been conducted for many years in order to find new methods of therapy which would support pharmacological treatment – and it seems that physical activity comes first here. Studies carried out on humans and animal models of PD have shown that increased physical activity improves the patterns of motor behavior and enhances the process of angiogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis in the brain. It also increases the level of neurotrophic factors. The aim of the work was to conduct a literature review and to present the impact of physical activity on improving motor functioning in people with PD. Having people with PD take up physical activity is of preventive importance. It may also be considered an early stage of the rehabilitation process. This paper was based on the work of both Polish and foreign researchers in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar.

Keywords

• neurotrophic factors
• parkinson’s disease
• physical activity