Longitudinal study protocol to investigate HIIT-induced neurophysiological and psychomotor plasticity in Parkinson's disease
Background
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, primarily due to dopamine neuron loss. While pharmacotherapy helps manage symptoms, it doesn't halt progression, and long-term use can lead to complications. Exercise is known to have beneficial effects, but the precise mechanisms by which high-intensity training impacts brain subcortical/cortical regions, motor activities, and cognitive functions in PD remain unclear. This study aims to bridge that knowledge gap.
Study Design
This longitudinal human experiment will recruit 40 Parkinson's Disease (PD) individuals, divided into PD-TR (two 8-week HIIT cycles) and PD-NTR (no HIIT). 20 age-matched healthy controls (H-CO) will also be included. PD subjects will be examined pre-HIIT, 1 week, and 1 month post-cycle during medication "OFF-phase". Primary endpoints include cortical motor function via EEG and EMG, psychomotor behavior, and blood neurotrophic factor levels.
Why It Matters
This study, once completed, could provide crucial insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the benefits of exercise in Parkinson's Disease. Understanding how HIIT impacts cortical motor structures, psychomotor behavior, and neurotrophic factors could lead to optimized non-pharmacological interventions. If successful, this research could inform evidence-based exercise protocols, potentially improving motor control and cognitive function in PD patients. It may also highlight specific biomarkers (neurotrophic factors) that correlate with therapeutic response, guiding personalized treatment strategies. The longitudinal design and "OFF-phase" assessments are critical for isolating exercise effects from medication.