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The Effects of Exercise on Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is an unfortunate neurological disorder for which there is no cure. As a progressive disease, Parkinson's acts to slowly strip away fine motor control. However, if you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, there is hope. Regular exercise and training can help to stave off progression of this aliment, allowing you to regain control over your life.

  1. Parkinson's Disease

    • Parkinson's is categorized by the following symptoms: tremors in the arms, jaw, legs, face, and hands, impaired coordination, rigidness,and limb stiffness. While Parkinson's usually affects individuals over 50, it has been known to strike those who are younger. The symptoms of the disease progress gradually in intensity over time, and if left unchecked, will interfere with daily activities an ever-increasing amount.

    Parkinson's and Exercise

    • A 2007 study performed at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California demonstrated that regular exercise can have a beneficial effect on individuals with Parkinson's. As exercise increases the body's efficiency in using dopamine (the primary chemical that Parkinson's inhibits), regular training can act to slow or partially reverse the effects of the disease.

    Parkinson's Exercise Regime

    • As the study only looked at treadmill exercises in treating Parkinson's, that provides an adequate framework around which to construct a Parkinson's exercise regime. Four to five days a week of brisk walking on a treadmill or outdoors for 30 to 45 minutes should form the backbone of your anti-Parkinson's exercise plan. This can be additionally supplemented with two or three days per week of resistance training to round out your training schedule.

    Benefits

    • Beyond causing progression of symptoms to slow or abate, regular exercise carries a host of additional benefits. Increased levels of weight management, insulin sensitivity, and a reduction in the risk factors for numerous other diseases such as cardiac conditions, stroke, diabetes and cancer are the benefits for people who make exercise a regular part of their lives.

    Considerations

    • If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's and are new to exercise, do not aim to jump into a full routine all at once. A good beginner's plan would consist of two or three days of 30 minute walking sessions coupled with two days of full-body resistance training, using either weights or merely bodyweight resistance to begin. Gradually increase the amount and intensity of exercise performed so that training can become a pleasant habit instead of an uncomfortable burden.

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