Exercise plays an important role in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Patients suffering with this motor-system disorder may experience one or more of the following symptoms: trembling of the limbs or face, rigidity of the trunk and limbs, postural instability and bradykinesia, or slowness of movement. While exercise cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, it sharpens the mind and strengthens the body, which aids in maintaining muscle tone and muscle function.
Body Twist
This exercise stretches the muscles of the trunk, which can become rigid in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Sit in a chair, facing forward with feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your shoulders and twist your body to the right as far as you can turn. Look over your shoulder as you twist. Return to the starting position and twist to the left. Repeat, twisting to each side 10 times.
The Crawl
The crawl improves motor coordination of the limbs and strengthens the muscles in the back. Begin on your hands and knees on the floor. Lift and extend your right leg straight behind you. At the same time, extend your left arm straight out in front of you. Hold for five seconds or more, and then bring them back to starting position. Repeat on the other side to complete one set. Do three to five sets.
Wall Stretch
This stretching exercise improves flexibility in the back, arms and shoulders. Stand facing a wall approximately 8 inches away, with your feet about hip-width apart. Reach your arms straight overhead and place your palms against the wall. Lean your body toward the wall, stretching your back, shoulders and arms. Hold for five to 10 seconds.
The March
This exercise, performed standing against a wall or seated in a chair for more support, improves muscle strength and coordination of the legs. Leaning against a wall for balance, lift one leg at a time, bending at the knee as if marching in place. For variation and added intensity, practice alternately lifting a straight leg as high as possible. Repeat on each side for 10 marches.
Finger Exercises
These easy activities require focus and build strength and coordination in the hands and fingers. For improved dexterity, practice writing, unbuttoning and buttoning clothing and tearing paper. Other helpful activities for building strength and coordination in the fingers and hands include playing piano or squeezing a ball or other pliable object.
