Parkinsonova bolest druga je najčešća neurodegenerativna bolest (odmah nakon Alzheimerove bolesti), a njezina učestalost raste s godinama starosti. Bolest nastaje složenom interakcijom između genske sklonosti i utjecaja čimbenika okoliša koji dovode do propadanja dopaminergičkih neurona u pars compacta substantiae nigrae i posljedične hipoaktivnosti dopaminergičkog sustava. U liječenju Parkinsonove bolesti primjenjuju se lijekovi kojima se pokušava postići kontinuirana stimulacija dopaminergičkih receptora nigrostrijatalnog sustava: levodopa s inhibitorima periferne dopa dekarboksilaze, inhibitori COMT-a i MAO-B, dopaminergički agonisti, amantadin, antikolinergički lijekovi. Osim farmakoterapije, na raspolaganju su i neurokirurške metode liječenja (duboka mozgovna stimulacija (engl. deep brain stimulation – DBS)) i metode fizikalne terapije. Brojne su studije pokazale da različiti oblici vježbanja povoljno djeluju na simptome bolesti i mišićnu funkciju. U ovom su radu prikazani dostupni podaci o povoljnim učincima tjelesne aktivnosti u bolesnika s Parkinsonovom bolešću, s posebnim naglaskom na terapiju plesanjem.Parkinson\u27s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer\u27s disease. Its prevalence increases with age. The disease is caused by complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors that lead to degeneration of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons and the resulting hypoactivity of dopaminergic system. Parkinson\u27s disease is treated with drugs developed to achieve continuous stimulation of dopaminergic receptors in nigrostriatal system. For example, L-Dopa therapy combined with inhibitors of peripheral dopa decarboxylase, COMT and MAO-B inhibitors, dopaminergic agonists, amantadine and anticholinergic agents. In addition to pharmacotherapy, neurosurgical treatment methods (DBS - deep brain stimulation) and physical therapy are available as well. Numerous studies have shown that various forms of exercising have beneficial effects on the symptoms of the disease and on muscle function. This paper presents the available data on beneficial effects of physical activity in Parkinson\u27s disease patients, with special emphasis on dance therapy
