Exercise Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Pedaling Rate Is Related to Changes in Motor Connectivity

• DOI: 10.1089/brain.2014.0328
• Publication Date: 2015-09-28T14:23:54Z
• Authors: Chintan Shah; Erik B. Beall; Anneke M.M. Frank...; Amanda Penko; Michael D. Phillips; Mark J. Lowe; Jay L. Alberts
• Keywords: Turnover

Forced-rate lower-extremity exercise has recently emerged as a potential safe and low-cost therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). The efficacy is believed to be dependent on pedaling rate, with rates above the subjects' voluntary being most beneficial. In this study, we use functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) further elucidate mechanism underlying effect. Twenty-seven PD patients were randomized complete 8 weeks of forced-rate (FE) or voluntary-rate (VE). Exercise was delivered using specialized stationary bicycle, which can augment patients' rates. FE group received assistance from cycle. Imaging conducted at baseline, end therapy, after 4 follow-up. Functional (FC) determined via seed-based correlation analysis, activation-based seeds in primary motor cortex (M1). change FC compared linear rate. Results analysis showed strong positive between rate affected M1 ipsilateral thalamus. This effect persisted These results indicate that plausible therapeutic high-rate it improves thalamo-cortical connectivity.