In a nutshell
This study investigated whether high-intensity exercise rehabilitation (HIER) improved sleep in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that HIER improves sleep in these patients.
Some background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive brain disorder. The brain cells lose their abilities to control body functions causing side effects such as sleep disorders. These disorders affect 74-98% of patients with PD.
There are only a few drug treatments with very limited effects on sleep disorders. Therefore, other therapies such as HIER are promising treatment options. Prior studies suggested that exercise improves the physical symptoms of patients with PD. It is known that in healthy adults, regular exercise improves sleep. However, this is not clear for patients with PD and sleep disorders.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 55 patients with PD and sleep disorders. Of these, 27 received HIER and 28 received a no-exercise treatment. Patients in the HIER group received therapy (3 times a week for 16 weeks) or sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene consists of habits that lead to sleeping well on a regular basis. Patients were followed-up through polysomnography (a medical exam that records brain activity during sleep) before and after therapy.
The HIER group showed significant improvement in sleep when compared to the sleep hygiene group. Other outcomes such as total sleep time, wake after sleep and slow-wave sleep also improved with HIER.
The bottom line
This study concluded that HIER improves sleep outcomes in patients with PD.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants. Further larger studies are needed for stronger evidence.
Published By :
Movement disorders: official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
Date :
Feb 24, 2020
