Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that leads to the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. Dopamine is essential for the smooth and coordinated control of movement. While the exact cause remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors have been associated with the disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Resting tremors, typically in the hands.
Slowness and freezing of movement, known as bradykinesia or hypokinesia.
Muscle stiffness or rigidity.
Difficulty with balance and walking, also referred to as postural instability.
Additionally, there are numerous non-motor or "hidden" symptoms, including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing), sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline.
Medications for Parkinson's Disease
Medications help manage PD by either increasing or replacing dopamine, which can alleviate symptoms like tremors, movement difficulties, and issues with walking.
Evidence-based Exercise for Parkinson's Disease
While exercise cannot halt the progression of PD, it can help manage and even improve symptoms. The disease tends to progress slowly, gradually affecting motor control, physical abilities, and movement. High-intensity aerobic exercise has been shown to slow disease progression by preventing the loss of dopamine-producing cells. Besides benefiting the brain, such exercise improves physical fitness, endurance, and can help prevent comorbid conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Research recommends that individuals with PD aim to engage in aerobic exercise 3 times per week for 30-40 minutes at 70-85% of their maximum heart rate.
Other Recommended Forms of Exercise
Resistance Training: As PD often leads to decreased physical activity, it can result in a reduction in muscle mass and strength. Resistance training is crucial to counteract this, helping to preserve muscle function. Strength in the legs, in particular, is essential for initiating walking, enhancing step length, speed, and improving sit-to-stand movements.
Treadmill Walking: Walking on a treadmill is an effective exercise for those with PD, as it enables them to work on their step length and walking speed. A common symptom of PD is shuffling steps, but regular treadmill walking can help reduce this.
Dance: Dance-based exercises can significantly improve balance, coordination, and reduce rigidity. Moving to music helps break up patterns of freezing and enhances the initiation of movement.
Hydrotherapy: Pool exercises are helpful for those who experience pain during land-based exercises, as the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on the body and joints. Water exercises can also help achieve a range of motion that may be challenging to achieve on land.
When incorporating these exercises, it's important to tailor them to the individual’s specific needs and goals. Practicing large, purposeful movements is crucial to breaking the brain's cycle of smaller, restricted movements. Exercise has the potential to improve both the quality of life and the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. Working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help develop an exercise program that is personalised and effective.
Blog By Harrison Brown
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