Impact of a ۱۲-week combined strength, aerobic, and balance training program on dopamine and serotonin levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized clinical trial

Background and aims: Serotonin and dopamine are monoamine neurotransmitters that are reduced in Parkinson’s disease) (PD). This study examined the effects of the ۱۲-week combined strength, aerobic, and balance training program on dopamine and serotonin plasma levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial. A total of ۳۰ participants were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to one of two groups using block randomization, including a combined exercise group (strength, aerobic, and balance exercises) of ۱۵ participants and a PD group with ۱۵ participants. The study was conducted in ۲۰۲۴ in Isfahan, Iran. The training program lasted ۱۲ weeks, with five weekly sessions held at a sports club. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA for between-group comparisons and a paired test for within-group changes (P<۰.۰۵). Results: The results revealed significant differences in dopamine and serotonin among the two PD groups (P<۰.۰۰۱). However, there was a substantial increase in the combined exercise program group compared with the PD group (P<۰.۰۰۱). In the combined exercise group, dopamine levels increased from ۰.۰۱۴۱±۰.۰۰۳ at the pretest to ۰.۰۸۵۳±۰.۰۳۳ at the posttest (P=۰.۰۰۱). Finally, serotonin levels rose from ۴.۵۹±۰.۵۶ to ۶.۵۹±۰.۹۰ (P=۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The combined exercise increased the dopamine and serotonin levels in PD. Accordingly, performing combined exercise can be used as a therapeutic intervention in PD prevention and treatment strategies.