Fig.2.

Physical activity spans the spectrum from aerobic to skilled exercise. Recent exercise studies in animal models of PD are beginning to support the differential effects of aerobic versus skilled exercise on the establishment and maintenance of brain circuitry. In this Figure we illustrate these concepts. One potential hypothesis highlights aerobic exercise that may lead to a broad increase in cerebral blood flow, including within those brain circuits in the basal ganglia and cerebellum involved in motor control. Other global factors may also be activated including reduced oxidative stress, reduced neuro-inflammation, and increased expression of neurotrophic factors. This is in contrast to skilled exercise that entails perceptual and a higher level cognitive processing that may specifically target prefrontal and associated cortical circuits important for executive function.