Chatting Parkinson’s Disease, Exercise & My Dad ❤️
My dad was one of 11 participants who completed a 6-month long clinical trial with Yale Movement Disorders Clinic exploring the effects of exercise on the brain.
Meet my dad! Jim is a lifelong athlete; an avid lover of lacrosse, golf, cycling, and walks by on beach. He is 70 years young and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over 6 years ago. Recently, Jim was one of 13 participants recruited to be a part of a 6-month long clinical trial seeking more definitive answers on the impact of intense exercise on the progression of PD (Parkinson’s Disease). The trial was conducted by Yale Movement Disorders Clinic and the workout classes were held virtually over Zoom by ‘Beat Parkinson’s Today’ gyms.
The workouts included challenging strength training, high intensity interval training, boxing, and mobility practices. Participants took 5-6 virtual exercise classes per week and wore heart-rate chest-straps and a Fitbit - they reached heart rates of 70% of their maximum and higher in more than 85% of the classes. Motor exams, MRI’s and Pet Scans were conducted during periods of exercise as well as rest periods of 2 weeks to show the impact of the exercise on the brain.
In summary, they imaged the effects of 6 months of high-intensity interval training on the dopaminergic system in 11 patients with PD. This proof-of-concept study provides in vivo evidence that sustained periods of intense exercise can induce brain changes in individuals with mild and early PD.
Jim, as always, continues to be a mover with an infectious live life to the fullest spirit. Since the study ended, he regularly trains virtually with Beat Parkinson’s Today, *somehow tolerates virtually strength training with me, boxes with a trainer specializing in PD, plays golf, rides his bike and takes walks frequently.
Jim is and has always been an inspiration through his daily motivation, patience, sense of humor, and kindness to those around him. I’m lucky to know him and my amazing mom who are incredible partners to one another on this waltz through life.
Thank you for your dedication to this incredible study, dad! I Iove you 🫶
