Ample research demonstrates that exercise is associated with increased synthesis of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors which can lead to neurogenesis, angiogenesis, synaptogenesis, and increased neuroplasticity. Specifically, research indicates that exercise is directly related to modulating neurotransmission of dopamine and glutamate, increasing blood flow to the brain, and can alter synaptogenesis.
Research studies support that different types of exercise may affect different parts of the brain, specifically different brain regions and brain circuitry. The combination of increased neuronal demand and blood flow may facilitate repair or disease modification. Skilled exercise such as yoga, Pilates, boxing, dancing, and Tai Chi differentially affects frontal-striatal related brain circuits more than pure aerobic exercise, and may induce greater neuroplasticity due to a heavier neuronal metabolic demand, and increased blood flow demand. Pure aerobic exercise such as treadmill, walking, swimming, and cycling enhances circulatory and respiratory efficiency which leads to an increase in the density of capillaries in the brains motor regions and increased BDNF protective agents, but no increase in synaptic numbers. Both skilled and aerobic exercise have a direct impact on neuroplasticity.
If you have Parkinson's disease, the bottom line is: you need both!
P4P programming focuses on delivering a comprehensive approach emphasizing SKILLED exercise with cognitive stimulation techniques. This type of combination training offers even more benefits to the client in preserving movement independence. Emphasis on spurring cognitive neuroplasticity during physical exercise also helps to stimulate and maintain existing neural pathways, and possibly create new ones, especially to enhance interoception and coordinated movement.
GLOSSARY:
Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form, allowing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues.
Synaptogenesis is the formation of synapses between neurons in the nervous system.
Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned.
*see our website for a complete bibliography to any scientific reference
