Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disease that makes movement challenging. As the condition progresses, it is usually necessary to manage the symptoms with a variety of medications. Exercise also plays a role in the management of this disease. While every patient is different, some general exercise recommendations for people with moderate Parkinson's disease can be helpful. Before starting any exercise program, check with a doctor or physical therapist, because the wrong exercises can do more harm than good.
Identification
In order for the body to move, signals sent from the brain must be carried to the muscles by neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. In the case of Parkinson's disease, for reasons that are not well understood, the structure in the brain that produces dopamine is being attacked and destroyed, states the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This leads to a wide variety of symptoms, including tremors in various areas of the body, rigidity, stiffness, slowness of movement, impaired balance and difficulty coordinating movement.
Not all patients have all these symptoms, and the disease progresses at a different speed in each patient. While medications that mimic the actions of dopamine are the first course of treatment, exercise can also help.
Features
There is a period of time between when dopamine-producing cells are destroyed and the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear. In many cases, it is not until 80 percent of cells are destroyed that symptoms occur. As cells are destroyed, the brain attempts to compensate for the loss by forming new connections with cells that are still functioning.
Exercise can encourage the brain to maintain connections that are working, form new connections and possibly even restore connections that were lost. The latter can be a benefit to those with moderate Parkinson's disease. Exercise has even been shown to help the cells use dopamine more effectively. While exercise can not cure this condition, it can help some patients minimize the effects.
Benefits
Exercise can do more than just affect the brain cells in those with moderate Parkinson's disease. Since this condition causes stiffness, loss of balance and trouble initiating movement, a well-rounded exercise program can help a patient maintain independence. The National Parkinson's Foundation suggests that the right exercises can improve range of motion, balance, posture and the ability to walk, as well as slow the progression of the disease.
Types
An exercise program for those with moderate Parkinson's disease should consist of aerobic type exercise to get the body moving and improve coordination. This includes walking, biking, swimming and similar activities. Strength training exercises will keep the muscles strong to help maintain posture and balance and ease everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of a chair. Stretching or flexibility exercises improve joint and muscle range of motion, which makes reaching items in high and low places, grooming and dressing easier. The goal is to get some exercise every day. A doctor or physical therapist can suggest exercises and the intensity level that is best, based on a person's individual condition.
Considerations
Having Parkinson's disease can make traditional exercise classes challenging. It may be helpful to find chair exercise classes where balance can be maintained by holding on. Chair classes also remove the need to get up and down off the floor, which may be too difficult as the condition progresses.
If using equipment such as a treadmill, look for safety features such as clips that can be attached to clothing. That way, if you lose balance, the clip pulls out and the treadmill automatically stops. Recumbent bikes, where the legs are out to the front, may be a better option, as they are easier to get on and off. Using a cane or walking stick can help to provide momentum and prevent falls when walking.
If using weights, do not grip them too tightly, as this can cause tremors. There are various forms of weight lifting machines, some easier to use than others, so try them out before buying or joining a gym. Experiment to find the best solution based on your personal needs and abilities.
