Slow Wave Sleep As a Biomarker of Rehabilitation-induced Cognitive Improvement in PD

PD subjects may be randomized (1:1) to PRT with supervised sessions 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Exercise training will consist of a combination of resistance training (RT) and bodyweight functional mobility exercises with limited rest intervals. The full volume exercise prescription will consist of: 1) five movements to improve strength and muscle mass each performed for 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions; 2) trunk exercises to improve postural stability; and 3) 3-4 bodyweight exercises to improve power and balance. Change in slow wave sleep (SWS) from baseline to 12-weeks will be used to determine the assignment in the second 12-week period. Subjects with an increase in SWS by \>24 minutes will continue in PRT for the 2nd 12 weeks of the trial, while participants with \<24 minutes increase in SWS will transition to endurance training (ET).

PD subjects randomized to the exercise control group (1:1) will not exercise during the first 12 weeks of the study. During that time, they will be asked not to change their physical activity levels or dietary habits. All participants in the delayed-exercise group will begin PRT at completion of the 1st 12-week period.

Non-responders to PRT will transition too ET during 2nd 12 weeks of the study. This intervention is supervised endurance training, 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasts approximately 75 min., comprised of warm-up, stimulus phase for 50-60 min., and cool-down. Sessions are split between cycle ergometer and treadmill exercise. Participant heart rate is monitored to maintain target exercise intensity of 60-80% (±5%) of heart rate reserve (HRR).