NeuralCipher Research overview
The text below is the source article’s original abstract under a verified reuse license. cc by
BackgroundLong-term effects of structured exercise on functional capacity in Parkinson's disease (PD) remain poorly understood.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of a 48-month multicomponent exercise program on mobility, aerobic capacity, and muscle mass in individuals with early-stage PD, and to examine baseline predictors of functional performance.MethodsThirty-three patients with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-2) participated in a supervised, thrice-weekly program including aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises. Assessments at baseline and 48 months included the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and muscle mass. Minimal detectable change (MDC), effect sizes, and linear regressions were computed.ResultsAfter 48 months, TUG time decreased by -3.8 s (95% CI: -5.0 to -2.6; p dz = -1.12) and 6MWT distance increased by +88.8 m (95% CI: 45.1 to 133.0; p dz = 0.72), both exceeding MDC thresholds. VO2peak (-1.1 mL·kg-1·min-1; p = 0.142) and muscle mass (-0.7 kg; p = 0.068) showed no significant changes. VO2peak was the sole independent predictor of functional performance at baseline and follow-up, while muscle mass had limited explanatory value. Improvements were observed in both disease stages, with similar effect sizes.ConclusionLong-term engagement in a multicomponent exercise program produces sustained functional improvements exceeding measurement error in mobility among individuals with early-stage PD, independent of changes in aerobic capacity or muscle mass. VO2peak consistently predicted functional outcomes, highlighting aerobic fitness as a key therapeutic target. These findings support the systematic integration of structured, multicomponent exercise into standard care protocols to preserve mobility and independence in PD.
Scientific assessment
Research question
Assess the question within the original study’s scope.
Methods & sample
Check the source article for study design and sample details.
Key findings
An editorially approved findings summary is not yet published for this record.
Limitations
Generalizability, bias and clinical meaning require separate assessment.
Methods, samples and clinical conclusions are not inferred from bibliographic metadata.