According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson’s disease exhibits four primary sets of symptoms: tremor in the limbs and face; rigidity of the limbs and trunk; slow movement; and poor coordination and balance. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but the symptoms can be successfully treated with a variety of drugs. The National Parkinson Foundation states that exercise increases dopamine production. Dopamine supports physical activity and its production is reduced in Parkinson’s patients. Therapeutic balls enhance exercise for Parkinson’s patients by focusing on balance, range of motion and flexibility.
Crunches
Crunches work the abdomen and back muscles, developing strength and stability in the torso. For crunches, the American Council on Exercise recommends inflating your therapeutic ball so that it compresses roughly 6 inches when your body weight rests on it. Sit on the ball with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle and slowly lean backward over the ball until your back from hips to shoulders is resting on the ball. Stretch your chest and upper back by putting your hands behind your head and pulling your elbows out and down. Contract your abdominal muscles and slowly curl your upper body toward your thighs, crunching your rib cage toward your pelvis, until your upper back is off the ball. Finish the crunch by slowly uncurling your abdominal muscles to lower your upper back onto the ball again. Repeat up to eight times in one set.
Squat and Reach
The squat and reach movement emphasizes balance, strength and flexibility. Hold the therapeutic ball with your arms extended in front of you. Slowly bend your knees while keeping your back straight and your arms parallel with the floor. Rotate your torso to the right and hold the position for a count of five, then return the ball to a position in front of you. Repeat on the left, return the ball to a position in front of you and slowly return to a standing position. Repeat up to eight times in one set.
Wall Squats
Wall squats strengthen the thighs and hips, and Carleton University states that using a therapeutic ball for wall squats provides deeper range of motion than performing squats alone. Additionally, using the wall for support while performing the movement makes this exercise suitable for Parkinson’s patients with balance problems. Stand with your back to the wall and gently lean into a stability ball positioned between your lower back and the wall. Place your feet 6 to 12 inches in front of you, approximately hip-width apart. Use your back to slowly roll the therapeutic ball down the wall, pushing into the ball with your back to hold it in place. Lower your body as far as possible or until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Hold this position for a count of five, then slowly push into the ball and roll back up the wall until you have achieved a standing position. Repeat up to eight times in one set.
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