Physical activity lowering chances of Parkinson's disease for males.
In a recent literature review, two independent investigators have shed light on the connection between physical activity and the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease (PD). The review, which looked at eight studies involving over half a million adults, including 2,192 people with PD, found that exercise can offer significant benefits for both men and women.
However, the review did not provide clear evidence that exercise reduces the risk of PD more strongly in men than in women. While exercise is shown to have restorative benefits for Parkinson’s patients, the gender-specific connection between exercise and PD risk is not firmly established.
The benefits of exercise were substantial for men but less notable among women. Men who exercise regularly have a 29 percent lower risk of developing PD, compared to those who are less active. This finding held true regardless of the level of physical activity.
The review also found that the average follow-up period of these studies was 12 years, and geographical location, follow-up duration, population size, or study quality had no influence on the risk of PD. Exercise, it seems, is a consistent factor in PD risk reduction.
It's worth noting that while the review did not find a stronger protective effect of exercise against PD in men, it did not discount the possibility either. The higher risk of PD in men is attributed more to biological and immune differences than to differences in exercise impact.
The connection between exercise and PD risk was stronger among men than women, but this finding was not consistent across all studies. Some studies showed a more pronounced effect in men, while others did not. This inconsistency in findings could be due to differences in methodology and data interpretation among the studies.
The review also highlighted that research on exercise patterns and gender differences among PD patients focuses more on rehabilitation, symptom management, and barriers to exercise participation rather than differential risk prevention.
In terms of the general population, moderate exercise can be enough to counteract the risk of developing PD. Exercise, along with medication, is second only to medication in the treatment of PD symptoms. Men who aren't physically active are at greater risk of developing PD.
This research comes at a time when Men's Health Week is being observed, with the theme: "Keeping boys and men healthy." The findings underscore the importance of regular exercise for men's health, not just in managing PD but in overall well-being.
References:
- University Hospitals and the Cleveland VA (2025). Long-term dynamic exercise programs restore neural connections in people with Parkinson’s.
- Aarhus University (2025). CD163 protein shows greater protective activity in women, potentially explaining their lower incidence of PD.
- Various studies on exercise patterns and gender differences among PD patients.
- Reviews and disease epidemiology indicating men have higher PD risk and suffer longer disabilities.
- The literature review suggests that exercise may have a stronger connection with the risk of neurological disorders like Parkinson's Disease (PD) in men, but this finding is not consistent across all studies.
- Regular fitness and exercise can counteract the risk of developing medical conditions such as PD in the general population, with men who aren't physically active at greater risk.
- In addition to its role in managing PD symptoms, the review points out that exercise, along with medication, plays a significant role in overall health and wellness, particularly for men, given the higher PD risk they face.
