Summary
A study analyzed step counts from 94,696 adults in the U.K., finding a link between lower daily steps and a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study suggests low step counts might be an early sign of Parkinson's, rather than a cause. While wearable devices track movement, they cannot diagnose Parkinson's.
Key Facts
- The study involved 94,696 people from the U.K. Biobank who used activity trackers.
- It found that lower step counts were linked to a higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
- 407 participants were diagnosed with Parkinson's over a median follow-up of 7.9 years.
- The risk was most noticeable close to the time of diagnosis, not years later.
- The study suggests low physical activity might be a consequence of early Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Demographic and lifestyle factors like age and sex were considered in the analysis.
- The study's findings do not mean step counts can diagnose Parkinson's.
- The U.K. Biobank data may not fully represent the entire population.
