Physical activity linked to slower cognitive and motor decline in Parkinson's disease, study finds

Seven-year study shows exercise may preserve thinking and movement abilities

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Read Time2 min

People with Parkinson's disease who stay physically active may experience slower declines in memory, thinking, and movement, according to a study published in the journal Neurology. The research suggests that exercise could offer dual benefits for those living with the condition, though the authors caution that the findings show an association, not direct causation.

The study, led by Dr Dong-Woo Ryu of the University of Cincinnati, followed 294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease for up to seven years. Participants were 66 years old on average and reported their weekly physical activity levels, including activities such as brisk walking, doubles tennis, leisurely swimming and household tasks.

Researchers categorised participants into three groups: those who did up to four hours of moderate or vigorous activity per week, those who did four to eight hours, and those who did more than eight hours. Annual assessments tracked changes in cognitive function and movement symptoms.

Among the least active group, scores on a 30-point cognitive test declined by an estimated 0.478 points per year. The moderately active group declined by 0.090 points annually, while the most active group experienced almost no decline (0.007 points per year).

Movement symptoms, measured on a scale from 0 to 132, worsened by 0.143 points annually in the least active group. By contrast, scores improved by 0.225 points per year in the moderately active group and by 0.783 points in the most active group, indicating less severe symptoms.

"Previous research has shown associations between physical activity and movement symptoms. Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition," Dr Ryu said.

He noted that the differences, while small, could become more meaningful over time. The researchers acknowledged limitations: activity levels were self-reported, and participants generally had good cognitive function at the study's start. Further research is needed to determine whether exercise directly slows disease progression.

The study was funded by the Gardner Family Foundation and the Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases Fund.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Parkinson's disease affects millions worldwide, and any lifestyle factor that could slow symptom progression has significant implications for patients and healthcare systems.
The findings suggest that moderate to high physical activity may help preserve both cognitive and motor function, potentially extending the period of independence for patients.
If confirmed by further research, exercise could become a more formally integrated part of Parkinson's management, alongside medication and therapy.

Background

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterised by tremors, stiffness, slow movement and cognitive decline. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms, but no intervention has been proven to halt or reverse the underlying neurodegeneration. Exercise is often recommended anecdotally, but the long-term evidence base has been limited. This study adds longitudinal data spanning up to seven years, strengthening the case for sustained physical activity.

Key Perspectives

Researchers: The study authors highlight the dual cognitive and motor benefits of physical activity but urge caution, as the data show association rather than causation. They call for further randomised trials to confirm the effect. Patients and advocacy groups: For people living with Parkinson's, the findings offer a practical and accessible strategy that may improve quality of life. Exercise programmes tailored to the condition are already in use, and this evidence may encourage wider adoption. Skeptics: The study relies on self-reported activity levels, which may be inaccurate. Residual confounding factors such as baseline fitness, diet and disease severity could influence the results. A randomised controlled trial comparing structured exercise programmes with usual care would be needed to establish causality.

What to Watch

Publication of randomised controlled trials testing specific exercise regimens for Parkinson's patients.
Updates to clinical guidelines from neurological associations regarding physical activity recommendations.
Development of wearable technology or objective activity tracking to replace self-reporting in future observational studies.

Sources

Scientists discover a surprising double benefit of exercise for Parkinson’s · Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily

Checked

10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 8 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedPhysical activity is linked to slower cognitive and motor decline in people with Parkinson’s disease.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “People with Parkinson's disease who are more physically active may experience slower declines in memory, thinking, and movement”
Partly supportedThe study shows exercise may preserve thinking and movement abilities over seven years.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “researchers monitored their health for up to seven years”
SupportedThe study found an association, not that exercise directly causes slower disease progression.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “It does not establish that exercise directly causes the disease to progress more slowly.”
Partly supportedDr Dong-Woo Ryu of the University of Cincinnati led the study.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “said study author Dong-Woo Ryu, MD, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati in Ohio.”
SupportedThe study followed 294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, whose average age was 66, for up to seven years.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “The research involved 294 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Participants were 66 years old on average, and researchers monitored their health for up to seven years.”
SupportedRyu said, “Previous research has shown associations between physical activity and movement symptoms. Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition.”Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “"Previous research has shown associations between physical activity and movement symptoms. Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition."”
SupportedThe least active group’s cognitive scores fell by an estimated 0.478 points per year; the moderately active group’s fell by 0.090, and the most active group’s by 0.007.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “Among participants in the least active group, scores fell by an estimated average of 0.478 points each year. The moderately active group experienced a much smaller annual decline of 0.090 points. For the most active participants, the estimated average yearly decrease was only 0.007 points”
SupportedMovement symptom scores worsened by 0.143 points per year in the least active group and decreased by 0.225 and 0.783 points per year in the moderately and most active groups, respectively.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “In the least active group, symptom scores increased by an estimated 0.143 points annually, indicating a slight worsening. By contrast, scores decreased by 0.225 points per year in the moderately active group and by 0.783 points in the most active group.”
SupportedParticipants’ activity levels were self-reported, and participants generally had good thinking and memory skills at the study’s start.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “Since participants generally had good thinking and memory skills at the start of the study”
SupportedThe study was funded by the Gardner Family Foundation and the Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases Fund.Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily: “Funding for the study came from a grant provided by the Gardner Family Foundation and the Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases Fund.”