Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that affects both large and fine motor movements, as well as gait, balance and strength. Several DVDs and exercise VHS tapes are available for people with Parkinson's disease who wish to exercise. The stages of Parkinson's disease are measured on a scale. The scale breaks the disease down into five stages, however, each patient's symptoms and the rate at which the disease progresses is different. Consult a physical therapist before you begin any exercise program and are struggling with a chronic illness such as Parkinson's disease.
Expert Insight
If you are in the early stages of the disease, the Davis Phinney Foundation has a DVD called "Exercise and Parkinson's: Questions and Answers from the Experts" in which advice from Parkinson's disease experts in exercise and physical therapy is offered. Davis Phinney was a Tour de France bicyclist before he developed early onset Parkinson's disease. His tips for exercise are rigorous and emphasize the necessity of an intense, daily routine. If you have early onset Parkinson's disease and your symptoms are well-controlled by medications or deep brain stimulation, check out the Davis Phinney Foundation's DVD.
Considerations
For people who are more advanced and are exhibiting trouble with standing and walking, several DVDs feature methods of exercising while sitting down. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has a list of resources for these type of exercises. "Sit and Be Fit" is a DVD designed specifically for older people who have trouble with balance. Another video, "Motivating Moves for People With Parkinson's," features stretching exercises to enhance flexibility and posture.
Features
The "Sit and Be Fit" DVDs and videos have a variety of selections to choose from. The programs are divided into sections that work in three main stages: slower paced exercises, moderately paced exercises and fast paced exercises. You can also order a video that features two instructors at one time. One instructor performs a simple exercise while the other instructor shows you how to modify it to specifically fit your pace. These exercises are ideal because they give you the opportunity to alternate your rhythm and fluctuate between watching the two instructors.
Theories/Speculation
For people who are more experimental and are looking for alternative forms of exercise, "Easy Tai Chi-Qigong" is a video that guides you through basic, simple tai chi and qigong movements. These movements can help with balance and breath control. People who practice these alternative exercises claim it helps with information retention and engages them in a way that creates a sense of calm well being. Alternative exercises are meant to work in conjunction with conventional exercises.
Benefits
Another alternative exercise idea is using a fitness or balance ball. Fitness balls require that you maximize your posture to maintain balance as you sit on the ball. They help with leg strengthening and general flexibility. An added plus with a fitness ball for people with more advanced stages of Parkinson's disease is that a number of reclining exercises are shown that work the leg muscles, hips and abdominal muscles. Almost all of the exercises mentioned are available on VHS or DVD, according to MayoClinic.com.
