Impact of a 12-week combined strength, aerobic, and balance training program on dopamine and serotonin levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized clinical trial

Background and aims: Serotonin and dopamine are monoamine neurotransmitters that are reduced in Parkinson’s disease) (PD). This study examined the effects of the 12-week combined strength, aerobic, and balance training program on dopamine and serotonin plasma levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial. A total of 30 participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to one of two groups using block randomization, including a combined exercise group (strength, aerobic, and balance exercises) of 15 participants and a PD group with 15 participants. The study was conducted in 2024 in Isfahan, Iran. The training program lasted 12 weeks, with five weekly sessions held at a sports club. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA for between-group comparisons and a paired test for within-group changes (P<0.05). Results: The results revealed significant differences in dopamine and serotonin among the two PD groups (P<0.001). However, there was a substantial increase in the combined exercise program group compared with the PD group (P<0.001). In the combined exercise group, dopamine levels increased from 0.0141±0.003 at the pretest to 0.0853±0.033 at the posttest (P=0.001). Finally, serotonin levels rose from 4.59±0.56 to 6.59±0.90 (P=0.001). Conclusion: The combined exercise increased the dopamine and serotonin levels in PD. Accordingly, performing combined exercise can be used as a therapeutic intervention in PD prevention and treatment strategies.