Best Exercise for Parkinson’s Patients

It goes without saying that having to deal with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. In the back of our minds, we all know that “exercise” is important to work into a weekly routine. But, sometimes, trying to figure out which exercise is best can be challenging.

I usually try to get people to understand, that in its most basic form, exercise is simply movement for the sake of movement. It doesn’t have to complicated nor does it have to be grueling. In fact, it should be easy and enjoyable. I say this because the best exercise should be something that you actually want to do because you like it. And it should be something that you can do at a relative intense pace.

It has long been known that physical activity and exercise helps the PD patient. Now, scientists have recently made a discovery that actually might get more people with Parkinson’s to consider upping their game, so to speak, when it comes to exercise. In a recent study, ( follow this link for a more readable explanation) scientists found that a specific chemical protein that is released into the body during exercise actually had a positive effect on the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

What is Parkinson’s Disease Anyway?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects the motor system (that part of our brain that controls our muscles and how we move them). This condition/disease is a result of losing dopamine-producing neurons (nerve cells) in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. The chemical, dopamine, is what’s called a “an essential “neurotransmitter”, that is essential in delivering chemical “messages” inside our brains that is essential for us to be able to coordinate our movements and mobility.

As it progresses, PD leads to a range of progressive symptoms that will affect the body in a number of ways. Most common symptoms include the notable tremor, bradykinesia ( which means slowed down movements), and rigidity, or, stiffness in the muscles. Because of all of these, people with PD have problems with balance and their posture tends to deteriorate. Both of which can increase the risk of falls.

Now, apart from motor symptoms, PD can also cause non-motor symptoms. These may include cognitive changes which can include memory and the ability to focus on tasks or conversations. PD can also contribute to mood disorders or things like depression or anxiety. Many people with PD have sleep disturbances, and problems with their autonomic nervous system that controls automatic bodily functions like blood pressure and digestion.

Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

While there is currently no cure for PD, there are common medical treatments available that help manage the symptoms and do improve the quality of life for those dealing with the disease. Treatments including medications, short bouts of physical therapy, and, even in some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation, are what most are familiar with. But they are generally prescribed by doctors and really out of the control of the Parkinson’s patient.

Exercise, on the other hand, is something that every person dealing with PD can do on their own. Yes, regular exercise and physical activity can be highly beneficial for individuals that have been diagnosed with PD. Regular and relatively intense exercise has been shown to help manage and alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the condition, as well as improve overall well-being, mobility, and quality of life.

Some of the potential benefits of regular exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease include:

Improved motor function: Exercise can help enhance balance, gait, coordination, flexibility, and muscle strength, thereby reducing the risk of falls and improving overall movement capabilities.

Enhanced cognitive function: Physical activity has been linked to better cognitive performance, which may help counteract the cognitive changes that can occur in Parkinson’s disease.

Improved mood and emotional well-being: Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are common non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Better sleep: Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with Parkinson’s.

Slowing disease progression: Some research suggests that exercise may have a neuroprotective effect, potentially slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease, although more studies are needed to confirm this.

See this link for details.

It is important for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to work closely with their healthcare team, including a physical therapist, to develop a tailored exercise program that meets their specific needs and abilities. Any exercise program should have a mix of aerobic activities, strengthening, flexibility, and balance exercises. Naturally, the key is to find a set of activities that are relatively easy to do, ones that you actually like to do and are sustainable over time. Consistency and long-term commitment to exercising will lead to reduced symptoms and better quality of life.

As you would expect, several types of physical activity have been found to be particularly beneficial for Parkinson’s patients in helping to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, can help with heart health, endurance, and fitness in general. Aerobic exercises also help maintain good body weight and promote better sleep, which is essential for folks with Parkinson’s disease.

Strength training exercises, include resistance training with weights, bands, or even body weight. Strength training helps prevent muscles from getting weaker and keeps muscles toned and flexible. Strength training is essential for daily function and maintaining the ability to get out of chairs and up from the floor after falls.

Balance exercises, such as tai chi or yoga, can be especially helpful for Parkinson’s patients in improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. When working on balance, it’s best if the exercises are slow, deliberate movements. This gives the PD patient time to focus on body awareness and coordination, which are major components of fall prevention.

Flexibility exercises, that include stretching and range-of-motion activities, can help to reduce and manage the muscle stiffness and rigidity common in Parkinson’s disease. These exercises, along with the others help promote better posture and overall mobility.

Make Physical Activity Fun

Some people may not be up (or even want) to exercising. That’s alright because it’s not just “exercise” that’s important. It’s movement that’s important. There are Parkinson’s specific dance and movement therapies. People perform dances like the Argentine tango or or other dance classes. Or, there are boxing classes that take the focus off “exercise” and put it on “punching Parkinson’s in the teeth”. These and other activities can be fun and help not only with the physical symptoms of PD but also the mental aspects of the Parkinson’s patient.

If a Parkinson’s patient had to choose only one exercise to do, it would be best to opt for an activity that provides a combination of benefits in terms of balance, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. In this context, tai chi could be an excellent choice, as it is a gentle, low-impact exercise that incorporates elements of strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, all of which are important for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

However, it is essential to remember that every Parkinson’s patient is different, and their exercise preferences and physical abilities may vary. The most suitable exercise for one person might not be the best for another. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, to develop a personalized exercise plan that is both safe and effective for the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.