Exercise is a crucial part of the treatment plan for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has been shown to improve motor function, reduce anxiety and depression, and even help with memory loss. In this article we will look at how Exercise Physiology can help people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Exercise Physiology Programming is an effective way to support people diagnosed with Parkinson’s’ Disease to assist them in maintaining function and independence for as long as possible. There is also good evidence to suggest a reduction in the progression of the disease with exercise.
The Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that effects the central nervous system. Parkinson’s disease causes the degeneration of nerve cell s in the brain, effecting the amount of dopamine (a neurotransmitter) that is produced The diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease is complex and can take some time, as the effects of PD generally aren’t noticeable until 70% of the dopamine-producing cells have been effected in their ability to work. Parkinson’s Disease effects coordination and motor control in many ways; those who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease can vary in symptoms greatly.
Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include body tremors, rigidity, fatigue, affected speech, and slow body movement (bradykinesia). The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is currently not well documented. There is a very low genetic disposition to PD. Other genetic and environmental factors are being investigated for the causation of PD.
How does Exercise Help People who have Parkinson’s Disease?
There is good evidence that exercise can improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and reduce the progression of the disease when used in conjunction with medication. Exercise increases the activity of the dopaminergic system, which increases the amount of dopamine that can be used in the body by increasing the production of dopamine and by increasing the readiness of receptors that uptake dopamine. Exercise is vital for maintaining and improving balance, mobility, and function to carry out everyday activities. It also has a host of benefits for other symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, such as improving mood and maintaining healthy bowel movements. Exercise also has neuroprotective benefits, which prevent the death of brain cells.
Parkinson’s Disease & Exercise Guidelines
The Parkinson’s Outcome Project study has shown that 150 minutes of exercise per week significantly improves the quality of life in those living with PD. There isn’t any evidence of a specific modality of exercise being more favourable when it comes to PD management, so exercise programs should include a variety of exercises. Programming should have some form of aerobic, strength, balance, and coordination aspect to challenge the individual in different ways. The program should also take in mind the individual’s preferences when it comes to exercise to keep them engaged and enjoying their program.
Here are some various forms of exercises that are important to engage in:
Unplanned and Random Movement
The exercises listed require the person to change tempo and direction regularly. These will challenge a person mentally as well as physically as they require concentration to perform.
- Walking, hiking or jogging
- Racket sports such as badminton, table tennis, squash
- Yoga or Tai Chi
- Outdoor cycling
- Dancing
- Aerobic classes
- Marching with swinging arms
- Swimming in different strokes
Planned and Repeated Movement
These exercises are generally repeated movements that require balance. They can be performed while doing something that challenges a person mentally, such as watching a quiz show or the news, throwing and catching balls, singing, or problem-solving.
- Cycling on a static bike
- Weightlifting using light weights
- Swimming laps in the same stroke
- Slow walking on a treadmill
Exercise should begin as early as possible after the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, but starting an exercise physiology program at any stage of the disease is beneficial. There is evidence that exercising can prevent the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease later in life, so exercise should be taken up well before your later years.
References
https://exerciseright.com.au/chronic-conditions/parkinsons-disease/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8571000/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199520030-00004
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/parkinsons-disease
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research (2017) 50(12): e6432, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X20176432 Physical exercise-induced fatigue: the role of serotonergic and dopaminergic systems
https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise
Exercise Right
Parkinson’s Disease – Exercise Right
For people with Parkinson’s disease, exercise is more than healthy, it is essential for maintaining their quality of life.
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PubMed
Exercise and brain neurotransmission – PubMed
Physical exercise influences the central dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. A number of studies have examined brain noradrenaline (norepinephrine), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and dopamine with exercise. Although there are great discrepancies in experimental protocols, t …
Exercise and Brain Neurotransmission
Sports Medicine – Physical exercise influences the central dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. A number of studies have examined brain noradrenaline (norepinephrine), serotonin… (7 kB)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-199520030-00004
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
People with Parkinson?s disease can help manage their symptoms through medication and support.