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Now researchers have found that weight training appears to pay off more than a system called Fitness Counts, recommended by the National Parkinson Foundation in the US.

While the effects of the latter appeared to wear off over time, volunteers assigned to do weight training instead were better able to control their physical symptoms right until the end of the two-year project.

Experts in how the brain controls muscles took 48 participants, all with Parkinson's, and randomly assigning them to one of two groups.

The first group took part in progressive resistance training - better known as weight training - gradually building up the weights they lifted.

The second took part in 'fitness counts', which includes flexibility, balance and strengthening exercises. Each group exercised for an hour, twice a week, for two years.

Their physical symptoms were measured after six, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Participants in both groups saw improvements in what the investigators described as their "motor symptoms" - those regarding muscular control - after six months.

However, those who did weights saw that improvement last the whole two years, while those on the other programme reverted to the same scores they had at the start of the study.

Professor Daniel Corcos, of the University of Illinois in Chicago, said: "Our results suggest that long-term weight training could be considered by patients and doctors as an important component in managing Parkinson's disease."

Explaining why weight training worked better, he said: "The neuromuscular system responds to overload. The progressive resistance program continues to challenge the neuromuscular system. Fitness Counts does not."

He added: " I also think, but can not prove, that there is a motivational component. Many people lose interest in repeating the same exercise over and over again but respond to that challenge of getting stronger."

Results of the study are to be presented to the American Academy of Neurology annual conference in New Orleans next week.

Dr Kieran Breen, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, said: "Exercise is important for everyone, but studies like this show that it may have extra benefits for people with Parkinson's.

"More research is needed to help us understand what kinds of activities are most effective for tackling different aspects of Parkinson's, and to find safe and enjoyable ways for people with Parkinson's to get the most out of keeping fit.

"Parkinson’s UK is currently funding research investigating whether using movement-based computer games, such as the Nintendo Wii, can help to do this."

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Weight training benefits Parkinson's sufferers

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Home » Long Term Weight Loss » Weight training benefits Parkinson's sufferers