Acute Effects Of Exercise On Autonomic Function In Parkinson's Disease

People with Parkinson's Disease (PD) often experience autonomic dysfunction, contributing to a myriad of challenges that affect their daily life. While exercise has demonstrated significant benefits for older adults (OA), the acute effects of resistance exercise on individuals with PD remain an area of uncertainty. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of moderate-intensity exercise on cardiac output (CO) and sleep efficiency in PD. METHODS: Ten healthy older adults (HOA) and 10 OA with PD, ages 49 to 80 years old , participated in three sessions over five consecutive days. Autonomic function was assessed, via sleep monitors and finger plethysmography during a Sit-to-Stand protocol, on the first and third sessions. Sleep data was recorded over three nights following the initial baseline testing session, which consisted of an autonomic function test and established 10 repetition maximum on selectorized machines. Two days later participants trained at 65% of their 10RM. Training consisted of six randomized resistance training exercises. Physical activity levels were evaluated using questionnaires administered to all participants. PD participants also filled out the NMSQ, PDQ39 and FOGQ. Data was analyzed via one-way ANOVA tests. RESULTS: Pilot data revealed mean post-training changes in CO (L/min) deteriorated in the PD group and were significantly greater in HOA (HOA: 0.63 ± 0.96, PD: -1.8 ± 1.8, p = 0.05). No significant differences in sleep efficiency (%) were found (HOA: -4.6 ± 6.5, PD: 22 ± 41.9, p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that moderate-intensity exercise training may negatively impact autonomic function in individuals with PD. Larger sample sizes are warranted to comprehensively understand the acute effects of resistance training on autonomic function in PD. Additionally, future research should delve into the potential implications of these findings on the broader spectrum of PD symptoms and overall health in this population.