Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder which affects the dopamine cells within the central nervous system. A deficiency in this chemical messenger within the brain, leads to a disorder which is usually identified with movement symptoms , however it can be a poorly understood disease as majority of the population understands it to just be the ‘shakes’. PD encompasses a range of motor and non-motor symptoms such as:
- Bradykinesia (slow movements)
- Resting tremor (shaking, jerky movements)
- Stiffness
- Depression
- Anxiety and
- Poor postural control
What are some of the Best Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease?
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Aerobic fitness
- Dance classes
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Correcting gait and walking ability – evidence suggests patients with PD improve gait after treadmill training (Bello, 2013).
Strength
- Due to loss of functionality that increases with disease stage, it can be very vital to perform resistance training in order to maintain muscle mass and muscle strength (Corcos, 2013). Progressive resistance training in combination with other exercise modalities improves strength, decreases postural sway and decreases falls, as well as quality of life.
- Power training at high velocities
- Eccentric focus
Balance
- Postural instability can be disabling for those with PD as it can increase the risk of falls. Smania and Colleagues (2010), discovered following a balance intervention, PD participants had improved postural stability, improved perceived levels of confidence while performing daily activities and reduced frequency of falls. Exercises included static or dynamic conditions, e.g. transferring body weight onto the tips of their toes, bouncing a ball during walking with hands alternating
Including a regular exercise routine within your average week is essential in aiding to alleviate symptoms. Exercise may not be a cure for PD, however in combination with medications and therapies it is a vital tool to assist in making the quality of life of an individual function better.
Do you know someone who might benefit from including exercise in their Parkinson’s Treatment plan? Contact us to find out more about how we can help.