Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition for which there is no cure. The symptoms include tremors, impaired balance, slowness and rigidity. According to the Better Health Channel, evidence suggests that exercise for Parkinson's can improve symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Always work closely with your doctor or physical therapist when developing an exercise program. Your physical therapist can work with you to suggest exercises that you can do on your own time and at home. The types of exercises that may be devised by a physical therapist include stretching, strengthening, aerobic and water.
Stretching Exercises
Simple stretches can help keep the body flexible and mobile. You should do stretches for Parkinson's throughout the day, repeat each exercise three times, and hold the stretch for three to five full breaths. According to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, you should do simple stretches for Parkinson's that focus on the arms, legs and neck. You can also do gentle twists, forward bends and side bends. Exercises for the neck include head tilts, chin tucks and head turns that decrease stiffness in both the neck and shoulders.
Strengthening Exercises
You can do strength-training exercises with light weights at home. These exercises help to improve balance and coordination by strengthening muscles. These exercises also provide resistance to fractures by strengthening bones. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends strength training two to three times a week for each muscle group. Each session should consist of eight to 10 repetitions. Parkinson's patients may find it easier to perform these exercises using strength-training machines, which offer some support.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling and swimming help to maintain your general health. According to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, you should perform aerobic exercise a minimum of three times per week for 30 minutes or more. Walking is a good aerobic activity for Parkinson's patients because you are exercising in addition to practicing your gait. While walking, you will likely receive instructions from your physical therapist to correct your gait abnormalities. Your physical therapist can help you devise a complete aerobic program for your condition.
Water Exercises
Water exercises are good aerobic activities and can help to improve muscle tone, increase range of motion, improve balance and coordination, and provide postural training. The support of the water helps to improve balance and posture without the risk of falling. According to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, a water program might include water walking, upper body exercises, shoulder stretch exercises, trunk flexibility exercises, lower extremity exercises, face and neck exercises, and hand exercises.
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