High-intensity interval training modulates inflammatory response in Parkinson’s disease

Background Recent discoveries show that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can bring many positive effects such as decreases in fat tissue, lower blood sugar levels, improved learning and memory, and lower risk of cardiac disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of the dopaminergic neurons, accompanied by chronic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Previous research shows that interval training can bring a beneficial effect on the inflammation and neuroplasticity in PD. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of HIIT on the inflammation levels and antioxidant capacity in the serum of PD patients. Methods Twenty-eight people diagnosed with PD were enrolled in this study. Fifteen PD patients performed 12 weeks of HIIT on a cycloergometer. Thirteen non-exercised PD patients constitute the control group. Concentrations of inflammation markers and antioxidants’ capacity in the serum were measured at 3 sampling points (a week before, a week after, and 3 months after the HIIT). Results Twelve weeks of HIIT decreases the level of TNF-α ( p = 0.034) and increases the level of IL-10 ( p = 0.024). Those changes were accompanied by a decreased level of neutrophils ( p = 0.03), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ( p = 0.048) and neutrophil/monocyte ratio ( p = 0.0049) with increases in superoxide dismutase levels ( p = 0.04). Conclusions Twelve weeks of HIIT can decrease systemic inflammation in PD patients and improve the antioxidant capacity in their serum, which can slow down the progression of the disease.