When this study was awarded, there appeared to be clinically meaningful benefits of short-term exercise programs on persons with Parkinson. However, claims regarding the long-term effects of exercise on disability were made without research support.

Researchers examined the 2-year trajectory of disability in a group of people with Parkinson’s. By describing the progression of disability, exercise habits and physical activity, this investigation established an important foundation for future intervention research.

Findings from this study suggest that individuals with who do not engage in physical activity in the first 2 years following a Parkinson’s diagnosis experience a steeper decline in quality of life than those who do engage in physical activity.