Respiratory Functions, Exercise Capacity, and Oxygenation in Parkinson's Disease: A Comparison with Healthy Individuals

Presenter: Ayşenur Güvenir

Cardiopulmonary involvement, which can contribute to mortality, is frequently observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Limited data exist on peripheral muscle oxygenation in PD patients, which may be compromised. This study aimed to compare maximal exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, and muscle oxygenation between PD patients and healthy controls.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 PD patients (Hoehn & Yahr stages II–III) and 26 healthy individuals. Significant reductions (p<0.05) were found in FEV1 (liters and % predicted), FVC (liters and % predicted), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak VO2, VCO2, and VO2/HR in PD patients compared to controls. Additionally, changes in muscle oxygen saturation (ΔSmO2) and minimum total hemoglobin (THbmin) were significantly lower, whereas total hemoglobin (THbtotal) was higher (p<0.05) in the PD group.

In conclusion, patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease demonstrate decreased pulmonary function, weakened respiratory muscles, reduced exercise capacity, and impaired muscle oxygenation. These findings underscore the importance of regular monitoring of respiratory and muscular function in PD. The observed reduction in muscle oxygenation suggests deficits in oxygen delivery and utilization, contributing to exercise intolerance.

Ref: European Respiratory Society Congress 2025, September 27 - October 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands