ABSTRACT
Exercise can be dened as systematic physical activity undertaken to promote favorable adaptations in physical attributes such as muscular strength, muscular power, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory tness, and body composition. Each of these physical attributes has been shown to be negatively affected in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD; Allen et al. 2009; Beyer et al. 1995; Inkster et al. 2003; Kakinuma et al. 1998; Koller and Kase 1986; Nallegowda et al. 2004; Paasuke et al. 2002, 2004; Pedersen and Oberg 1997; Pedersen et al. 1997; Petroni et al. 2003; Schilling et al. 2009b; Uc et al. 2006) and can lead to a concomitant loss of function. The use of physical therapy/exercise as a potential treatment for these symptoms in PD dates back to the late 1950s and early 1960s (Doshay 1962); however, the complexity of the disease along with the varied approach to exercise and its potential effects have left many unanswered questions. Regardless of the form, broadly dened physical activity appears to reduce mortality in PD (Kuroda et al. 1992).
