Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological condition that impairs a person's ability to move. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremor, impaired balance and depression. While there is no cure for the disease, frequent, intense exercise may improve functioning in some patients. Understanding the relationship between Parkinson's disease and intense exercise allows patients to maximize the effectiveness of their treatment plans.
Types
Aerobics, flexibility and strength training are the three basic types of exercise. Aerobics includes lung- and heart-strengthening exercises such as jogging and dance, while weight lifting and resistance workouts build muscle and fall under the strength training category. Flexibility exercises such as yoga and Pilates tone muscles while increasing range of motion.
According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, patients with mild to moderately severe Parkinson's may benefit from all three types of exercise.
Benefits
Parkinson's disease is characterized by destruction of dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. Intense exercise increases the production of dopamine --- a neurotransmitter that is deficient in Parkinson's patients. According to Science Daily, exercise is thought to benefit Parkinson's patients by allowing the injured brain to use dopamine more efficiently, resulting in improved gait, balance and functional ability.
In addition to its direct effects on Parkinson's, exercise also improves overall fitness, helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts self-esteem and mood.
Limitations
Exercise is not a cure for Parkinson's disease. Because of its chronic, progressive nature, Parkinson's symptoms often return quickly when exercise is stopped. For patients with moderate-to-severe Parkinson's, exercise may be difficult due to rigidity and impaired coordination and balance. More research is needed to determine the scope and mechanisms of improvement brought about by exercise.
Methods
Many types of exercise can be beneficial for Parkinson's patients. Nina Bower, MD, of the National Parkinson's Foundation recommends that patients break a sweat during workouts and exercise at an intensity level at at which they can't converse. Brisk walking, bicycling, Tai Chi and dance are all excellent options.
For those with advanced Parkinson's, flexibility and leg-strengthening exercises performed in a sitting position may be beneficial. Because of its chronic nature, Parkinson's disease responds best to regular, continued exercise.
Warning
Exercise needs and restrictions vary from patient to patient. To reduce the risk of injury, ask a doctor before starting an exercise regimen for Parkinson's disease.
