Impact of a 12-week structured exercise program on motor function and exosomal alpha-synuclein levels in Parkinson's disease: A prospective analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether exercise reduced alpha-synuclein aggregation and ultimately improved symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Patients and methods: The prospective study was conducted with 26 PD patients (14 males, 12 females; mean age: 58.5±11.3 years; range, 38 to 79 years) between October 2019 and January 2020. A 12-week combined exercise program, including respiratory training, spinal stabilization, and stretching, was performed by the patients. Detailed clinical assessments were conducted, along with alpha-synuclein quantification, before and after the intervention.

Results: The data revealed notable improvements in motor, cognitive, and nonmotor realms (p<0.05). However, alpha-synuclein levels remained consistent (p>0.05).

Conclusion: While the exercise regimen aids symptom mitigation in PD, it does not alter alpha-synuclein concentrations, emphasizing the need to further investigate the mechanisms behind the exercise-related benefits.

Cite this article as: Mustafayev N, Tunç A, Elibol B, Eren KU, Terzioglu-Usak S. Impact of a 12-week structured exercise program on motor function and exosomal alpha-synuclein levels in Parkinson’s disease: A prospective analysis. Turk J Neurol 2024;30(2):86-92. doi: 10.55697/tnd.2024.8.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

The study protocol was approved by the Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Ethics Committee (date: 09.01.2019, no: 2019-448). The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

A written informed consent was obtained from each patient.

Author contributions: N.M., A.T., B.E., K.U.E., S.T.U.; Contributed significantly to this study: N.M., A.T., B.E.; Were primarily responsible for the study's conception and design: S.T.U., K.U.E.; Contributed to the data collection and analysis: A.T., N.M., S.T.U.; Assisted with the interpretation of the results and manuscript preparation: N.M., B.E., S.T.U.; Conducted the literature review: N.M., B.E.; Supervised the project and critically reviewed the manuscript: A.T., N.M.; Were responsible for writing the article: N.M.; Ensured the acquisition of funding and resources. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

This work was supported by the grant of Bezmialem Foundation University’s Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (grant references number: 2.2019/15).

I extend my deepest gratitude to my dear professor, Gulsen Babacan Yıldız, for their invaluable counsel and knowledge throughout my residency. Their patience and understanding have left an indelible impact on my academic development. I am profoundly thankful for their support and convey my utmost respect and appreciation.