Exercise could become a bigger part of Parkinson's treatment

Published on

11/08/2026 - 7:10 GMT+2

A review published in the journal Neuroprotection argues that exercise does more than improve strength, balance and mobility. It also stimulates the release of molecules known as "exerkines", which travel through the bloodstream and may reduce inflammation, protect nerve cells and support brain function. That raises new questions about whether health systems should place greater emphasis on physical activity as part of routine neurological care.

While researchers caution that much of the evidence remains preclinical, the findings point towards a growing understanding of how skeletal muscle communicates with the brain.

“We found that the exerkines act as a medium for the crosstalk between the muscle and the brain,” said the author of the study, Salomón Páez-García. “Though the brain controls muscles, exercising muscles send beneficial signals back to the brain through exerkines.”