Motor-cognitive approach and aerobic training: a synergism for rehabilitative intervention in Parkinson's disease

Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2020 Feb;10(1):41-55. doi: 10.2217/nmt-2019-0025. Epub 2020 Feb 10.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) results in a complex deterioration of motor behavior. Effective pharmacological or surgical treatments addressing the whole spectrum of both motor and cognitive symptoms are lacking. The cumulative functional impairment may have devastating socio-economic consequences on both patients and caregivers. Comprehensive models of care based on multidisciplinary approaches may succeed in better addressing the overall complexity of PD. Neurorehabilitation is a highly promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing PD. The scientific rationale beyond rehabilitation and its practical applicability remain to be established. In the present perspective, we aim to discuss the current evidence supporting integrated motor-cognitive and aerobic rehabilitation approaches for patients with PD while suggesting a practical framework to optimize this intervention in the next future.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; aerobic exercise; motor-cognitive rehabilitation; neuroplasticity; quality of life.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cognitive Dysfunction / etiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / rehabilitation*
  • Cognitive Remediation*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Exercise* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Neurological Rehabilitation*
  • Parkinson Disease / complications
  • Parkinson Disease / rehabilitation*