6.+Dopamine+and+Exercise

=Exercise** ** = = =



Much like Dance Movement Therapy, general exercise is a topic of high interest where Parkinson’s Disease treatment is concerned. Many studies have been conducted on both animal and human subjects to see if there are any alterations in brain functioning when exercise is made to be a part of a weekly routine (Sorenson, 2010). The findings of these studies on the dopamine pathways of the brain have shown significant increases in neurotransmitter availability and activity. Research studies conducted by Archer and Petzinger demonstrated that with habitual exercise over a long period of time (approximately six weeks), mammals have the ability to heighten levels of endogenous dopamine by three mechanisms (2011; 2009):
 * An increase of dopamine synthesis in the brain (Archer, 2011)
 * An increase in dopamine receptors (D2 receptors) in the post synaptic membrane of neurons
 * With the use of positron emission tomography (PET), this has been observed particularly in subjects suffering from Parkinson’s disease who have been diagnosed for one year and were not on any medications. Marked improvements in motor functioning was observed with this group of subjects during clinical trials (Petzinger, 2009; Archer, 2011).
 * Dopamine transporters that normally retrieve excess dopamine in the synapse are less present in people who exercise regularly. This resulted in dopamine staying in the synapse longer which also sustained cellular activity (Petzinger, 2009).



Clinical trials observing human subjects with Parkinson’s Disease suggest a high correlation between the increases of dopamine activity and improvements with gait, balance and speed (Archer, 2011; Sorenson, 2010). The psychopharmacological phenomena related to exercise coupled with its general health benefits work to facilitate recovery in patients and can greatly improve overall well-being.