Exercise test in Parkinson's disease

In this study we assessed cardiovascular performance and metabolic response after an exercise test in Parkinsonian patients (PD patients). Methods: 15 PD patients (10 male, 5 female; mean age:63 +/- 6.17 y; mean weight: 72.2 +/- 9.5 kg) and 15 sex, age (mean: 63.8 +/- 5.38 y), and weight-(mean: 72.2 +/- 8.69 kg) matched controls performed an exercise test using a cycle erg ometer and a ramp protocol. All patients and control subjects underwent a h eart rate variability test prior to the exercise test. At rest and at the e nd of each interval blood pressure (BP) and capillary lactate samples were taken. Heart rate was monitored continuously. Results: The heart rate varia bility tests were abnormal in Parkinson's patients. All patients and contro l subjects achieved an intensity level of 75 watts, 12/15 PD patients manag ed 100 watts, and 7/15 PD patients managed 150 watts. 12/15 control subject s performed at an intensity level of 125 Watts and 9/15 at an intensity lev el of 150 Watts, There was no statistically significant difference in heart rate increase but there was a tendency to lower lactate levels at high int ensity levels in PD patients, PD patients had a statistically lower systoli c BP at 75, 100, 125, and 150 watts, Conclusion: We did not find striking d ifferences in cardiovascular adaptation to physical work in PD patients and we propose, therefore, that it should be possible to improve cardiovascula r endurance in PD patients. Previously, reports have suggested respiratory chain impairment in Parkinson's disease and poor endurance performance. How ever, our results do not support a clinically relevant impairment of the re spiratory chain.