Exercise & Brain Energetics in PD

Inclusion criteria

• Idiopathic PD according to UK Brain Bank criteria (modified to permit inclusion of subjects with a family history)
• Mild to moderate Parkinsonism (Hoehn \& Yahr stages I-III)
• Currently exercise less than 120 minutes per week (PD non-exercisers)
• General

Exclusion criteria

• atypical Parkinson syndrome (progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, drug-induced etc.);
• significant osteoporosis or arthritis;
• history of cancer within 5 years of study participation;
• high dose of radiation from other procedures within the year;
• not able to tolerate being off PD medication for up to 24 hours;
• a female subject who is breast-feeding or pregnant;
• current or past substance use problems;
• serious head injury with loss of consciousness for ≥ 5 minutes;
• people with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, other known neurological disorders, or heart diseases;
• people who report having a significant respiratory disorder (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) or using home oxygen will be excluded to avoid discomfort or breathing difficulties from respiratory manipulations.
• current or past neurological disorder (e.g. strokes, seizures, neurodegenerative disease other than Parkinson's disease);
• current or past psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders);
• severe claustrophobia (a fear of closed in spaces);
• weight of more than 158kg (347 lbs);
• inability to lay still for up to 90 minutes;
• are not medically cleared to exercise;
• certain medications or conditions may impact participant's ability to participate and these will be discussed on a case by case basis with the participant and the study team.
• MRI-specific exclusion criteria:
• Machinist or metalworkers;
• cardiac pacemakers, wires, or defibrillator;
• past injury where a piece of metal lodged in your eye or orbit;
• ferromagnetic aneurysm clip;
• artificial heart valve;
• electrical stimulator for nerves or bones;
• ear or eye implant;
• implanted drug infusion pump;
• coil, catheter, or filter in any blood vessel;
• orthopedic hardware (artificial joint, plate, screws);
• other metallic prostheses;
• shrapnel, bullets, or other metal fragments;
• dentures, braces, or retainer;
• surgery (brain or otherwise), tattoos, or injection into a joint in the last 6 weeks;
• pierced body parts (other than earrings) or tattooed eyeliner;
• non-MRI safe intrauterine device (IUD).
• Subjects may be excluded following study enrollment if they meet any of the following exclusion criteria:
• significant cognitive impairment or depression;
• significant or unstable cardiovascular or respiratory disease - all subjects will undergo a screening aerobic exercise test;
• failure to comply with the exercise intervention program by not completing at least 60 of the 72 exercise classes.