PARKINSON'S DISEASE and EXERCISE

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Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the physical, psychological, social and functional condition of individuals. Exercise programs can be used as a possible effective strategy to delay or reverse functional decline for people with PD ( Parkinson's Disease) and a large amount of empirical evidence has emerged in recent years supporting exercise used as a strategy to combat PD.

1. In PD, it has been found that exercise stimulates dopamine synthesis in remaining dopaminegic cells and thus reducing PD symptoms. Exercise is of benefit to PD peoples in respect to physical functioning, upper body and lower body strength, balance, gait speed and overall mood and well being.  
2. The type of exercise being performed is also very important in dealing with PD and also looking at the benefits of exercise in terms of neuroplasticity and the ability of the brain to self repair. There are 5 key principles of exercise that enhance neuroplasticity in relation to PD, these being- 1. intensive activity, 2. complex activities, 3. activities that are fun, 4. repetitive exercises, 5.exercise that is introduced at an early stage of PD so that progression can be slowed.
3. Physical activity often declines with advancing age and these reductions lead to functional decline. People with PD have been shown to reduce levels of physical activity more quickly than their healthy peers and have lower levels of strength and functional ability. However muscle weakness in PD people is not simply a consequence of ageing and inactivity, but also a symptom of PD . This muscle weakness can contribute to impaired balance, falls, and disability. People with PD are 3x more likely sustain a hip fracture as a result of a fall when compared to those without the condition of PD.
4. There is no "exercise prescription" that is right for every person with PD. The type of exercise you do depends on your symptoms and challenges. For those who may be more sedentary, starting with low intensity exercise may be more beneficial. This can be increased to regular more vigorous activity as tolerated. The most important thing to do is to do the exercises regularly.    
5. The best way to see benefits is to exercise on a continual basis. People with PD enrolled in exercise programs with durations of longer than 6 months, regardless of exercise intensity, showed significant gains in functional balance and mobility as compared to week or 8 week programs. 
6. When it comes to exercise and PD, greater intensity may have greater benefits. Experts recommend that people with PD, particularly young-onset or those in the early stages, exercise as often possible. The more you do - the more you benefit.  Intense exercise is exercise that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe heavily. Running, boxing and aerobic movements are examples.  Regardless of your condition, always stretch, warm up and cool down properly before and after exercising.       

BENEFITS TO EXERCISING 

People in the early stages of PD tend to be just as strong and physically fit as healthy individuals of the same age. As PD progresses, it can lead to the following physical changes:  1. Loss of joint flexibilty, which can affect balance, 2. Decreased muscle strength or deconditioning which can affect walking and the ability to stand up from sitting and 3. Decline in cardiovascular conditioning, which effects endurance. Exercise can help greatly in delaying and even reducing the negative challenges that advanced PD can burden onto an individual.

Exercise is good for the heart and the muscles, but exercise can actually challenge the brain. Establishing early exercise habits is an essential is an essential part of overall disease management, which is why neurologist now recommend exercise as part of most PD treatment plans.  

TRAIN WITH JOHN PT

My mission is to ensure that exercise is an essential part of Parkinson's care and improved health.

I am a member of PARKINSON'S QUEENSLAND.  I have a personal interest in helping Parkinson's Disease people live their lives to their fullest potential  through the benefits of exercise and better healthy life choices. My brother , who is in the photo above boxing with me, is also a Parkinson's Disease person who believes that he will beat Parkinson's Disease.         

I know WE will !!