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

NCT ID NCT03808675

Completed Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

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

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