Effect of endurance exercise on attention and depression in Parkinson’s disease patients - A new approach

Abstract

Aim of the study is to determine the effects of endurance exercise on depression and attention deficiency in people with Parkinson’s disease patients. The methodology of the study is,15 participants with Parkinson's disease were selected both male and female from the neurological rehabilitation centre, Chennai. The purpose and procedure of the study were completely explained to the participants, and informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Depression scale and the digit-symbol task was evaluated before starting the exercise program and participants were randomized into two groups (Group A and Group B). This study compared the effect of endurance exercise to stretch-balance training. The exercise program was given for a duration of 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, Hospital anxiety & depression scale and digit-symbol task were used to check for the progress. The result we determine from the statistical analysis, it has been revealed that depression symptoms decreased with endurance exercise and stretch-balance training but didn't show any significant improvement on attention with endurance exercise while with stretch-balance training it shows minimal improvement. Hence, we conclude that endurance exercise is a viable intervention in PD that can be used as a protective technique against depression symptoms and can also be used for improving attention in people with Parkinson’s.