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Open AccessReview
Exercise, Neuroprotective Exerkines, and Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review
by
Alexandra K. Mitchell
Alexandra K. Mitchell 1,
Rebecca R. Bliss
Rebecca R. Bliss 2 and
Frank C. Church
Frank C. Church 3,*
1
Department of Health Sciences, Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
2
Physical Therapy of North Carolina, Durham, NC 27704, USA
3
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biomolecules 2024, 14(10), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101241 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 9 August 2024
/
Revised: 23 September 2024
/
Accepted: 27 September 2024
/
Published: 30 September 2024
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease in which treatment often includes an exercise regimen. Exercise is neuroprotective in animal models of PD, and, more recently, human clinical studies have verified exercise’s disease-modifying effect. Aerobic exercise and resistance training improve many of PD’s motor and non-motor symptoms, while neuromotor therapy and stretching/flexibility exercises positively contribute to the quality of life in people with PD. Therefore, understanding the role of exercise in managing this complex disorder is crucial. Exerkines are bioactive substances that are synthesized and released during exercise and have been implicated in several positive health outcomes, including neuroprotection. Exerkines protect neuronal cells in vitro and rodent PD models in vivo. Aerobic exercise and resistance training both increase exerkine levels in the blood, suggesting a role for exerkines in the neuroprotective theory. Many exerkines demonstrate the potential for protecting the brain against pathological missteps caused by PD. Every person (people) with Parkinson’s (PwP) needs a comprehensive exercise plan tailored to their unique needs and abilities. Here, we provide an exercise template to help PwP understand the importance of exercise for treating PD, describe barriers confronting many PwP in their attempt to exercise, provide suggestions for overcoming these barriers, and explore the role of exerkines in managing PD. In conclusion, exercise and exerkines together create a powerful neuroprotective system that should contribute to slowing the chronic progression of PD.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Mitchell, A.K.; Bliss, R.R.; Church, F.C.
Exercise, Neuroprotective Exerkines, and Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review. Biomolecules 2024, 14, 1241.
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101241
AMA Style
Mitchell AK, Bliss RR, Church FC.
Exercise, Neuroprotective Exerkines, and Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review. Biomolecules. 2024; 14(10):1241.
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101241
Chicago/Turabian Style
Mitchell, Alexandra K., Rebecca R. Bliss, and Frank C. Church.
2024. "Exercise, Neuroprotective Exerkines, and Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review" Biomolecules 14, no. 10: 1241.
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101241
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