Walking may slow Parkinson's: new study tests aerobic exercise

NCT ID NCT03808675

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether long-term aerobic walking can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. 57 people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's walked for 150 minutes per week at a moderate pace. Researchers measured changes in movement, thinking, driving safety, and brain health. If effective, aerobic exercise could become an immediate, low-cost treatment option.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

aerobic walking exercise

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a low-cost, accessible way to slow Parkinson's progression and improve movement, thinking, and driving safety.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 57 participants. Exercise may not slow the disease for everyone, and benefits might be modest or temporary.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression Health Education Motor Activity Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52246-2292, United States

  • University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States