Research Question: What results in the best outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease, endurance exercise or occupation-based exercise? 

Methods: The subjects of the study were taken from a published Meta-analysis comparing aerobic exercise and non-aerobic exercise for Parkinson’s Disease that compared UPDRS total motor and total scores (Ahmad et. al, 2023). The meta-synthesis compared all of the activities against each other, to find any comparative advantages one may have over another. Multiple independent samples t-tests were used to compare the average unweighted effect sizes of the aerobic vs non-aerobic groups, along with comparisons of each exercise category vs. aerobic groups. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare all non-aerobic exercise groups. Placement of aerobic and non-aerobic groups was based upon the literature and Metabolic Equivalent (MET). 

Results: It was found that there were no significant differences between aerobic and non-aerobic exercises as a whole and their impact on PD. The aquatic group did have a slight positive difference, meaning that this option of exercise may be best for slowing the progression of motor symptoms for PD patients; more research is needed.

Implications: Non-aerobic exercises may be just as effective in slowing the progression of motor symptoms in PD patients. This is important for therapists to help their clients choose an exercise program that is significant to the patient and will encourage long term engagement. 

Omar Ahmad, S., Longhurst, J., Stiles, D., Downard, L., & Martin, S. (2023). A meta-analysis of exercise intervention and the effect on Parkinson's Disease symptoms. Neuroscience letters, 801, 137162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137162

Emily, Julie, and Katie would like to thank Dr. O for all the guidance and help throughout this research project. His passion for the subject and in-dept knowledge has made this experience more enjoyable. Emily, Julie, and Katie look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.