Today I wanted to focus on the role of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.
Even a simple walk around the room on a regular basis helps with blood flow and movement habit.
In one of our earlier podcast episodes, we talked about the ability to use a rhythmic tune (like “row, row, row your boat) to overcome the freeze that is sometimes experienced by people with Parkinson’s.
There are a number of YouTube channels and free videos that offer Tai Chi right in your living room – in addition to the slow movement benefits, the mental therapeutic benefits are many. I have attended Tai Chi classes and found the mental benefits as beneficial as the physical.
Like Tai Chi, Yoga videos are plentiful on YouTube and also like Tai Chi, Yoga provides plenty of mental and emotional benefits through mindfulness and a focus on breathing.
We work with a medical equipment supplies company that provides cycling devices that can be used in the home without having to install a stationery bike. These devices get the feet moving even while seated in a chair. They can be very useful to get the benefits of cycling without the fall risk of losing balance on a bike.
A number of senior centers and community organizations (like the YMCA) offer pools where classes that have some sort of water exercise are available. This can be very beneficial also in creating a sense of community.
We often place physical therapists in the home for patients that need to do strength training or other forms of physical therapy but cannot make it to a PT center. These home based PT providers can help with strength training as a way to maintain muscle mass.
Dance is generally available through local community centers, senior centers or even private providers who offer dance classes tailored for Parkinson’s. The additional benefit that Dance provides is creating and maintaining a sense of community which reduces social isolation.
ALWAYS CONSULT A MEDICAL PRACTIONER BEFORE COMMENCING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM
For our Podcast, go to https://keepmehomelonger.buzzsprout.com/
For our podcase episode on Parkinson’s got to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2357378/15047985
For our podcast episode on Music Therapy for Parkinson’s go to : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2357378/15478716
References
Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Exercise
American Parkinson Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/the-benefits-of-exercise/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease
Why Exercise Matters for Parkinson’s Disease
This is what we’ve learned from our nursing team and from the many conversations that we have with dedicated people that are in the community of care for people with Parkinson’s – experts all. We learned that exercise helps people with Parkinson’s in so many ways:- Improve motor function and reduce symptom severity.
- Increase strength and flexibility, making daily tasks easier.
- Enhance balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
- Improve cardiovascular health, which is vital for overall well-being.
- Support mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.
- Potentially slow the progression of motor symptoms through neuroprotective effects.
8 ways to use Exercise for People with Parkinson’s Disease
Walking
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises for maintaining mobility and cardiovascular health. For people with Parkinson’s, walking with purpose—focusing on posture, stride length, and arm swing—can improve gait and reduce the risk of freezing (sudden, temporary inability to move).Even a simple walk around the room on a regular basis helps with blood flow and movement habit.
In one of our earlier podcast episodes, we talked about the ability to use a rhythmic tune (like “row, row, row your boat) to overcome the freeze that is sometimes experienced by people with Parkinson’s.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a Chinese exercise form known for its slow, controlled movements and deep breathing. It emphasizes balance, coordination, and mindfulness, which are particularly beneficial for individuals with Parkinson’s.There are a number of YouTube channels and free videos that offer Tai Chi right in your living room – in addition to the slow movement benefits, the mental therapeutic benefits are many. I have attended Tai Chi classes and found the mental benefits as beneficial as the physical.
Yoga
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It is adaptable to various levels of ability, making it accessible to people with Parkinson’s.Like Tai Chi, Yoga videos are plentiful on YouTube and also like Tai Chi, Yoga provides plenty of mental and emotional benefits through mindfulness and a focus on breathing.
Cycling
Cycling, particularly on a stationary bike, is an excellent way to build endurance and strengthen the lower body. Stationary bikes might offer a safe option for those who might struggle with balance.We work with a medical equipment supplies company that provides cycling devices that can be used in the home without having to install a stationery bike. These devices get the feet moving even while seated in a chair. They can be very useful to get the benefits of cycling without the fall risk of losing balance on a bike.
Swimming
Swimming and water aerobics are ideal for individuals with Parkinson’s because the water supports the body, reducing the risk of injury from falls. The resistance of the water helps to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.A number of senior centers and community organizations (like the YMCA) offer pools where classes that have some sort of water exercise are available. This can be very beneficial also in creating a sense of community.
Boxing
Non-contact boxing programs, such as those offered by HB Fight Club, focus on agility, coordination, strength, and balance through boxing drills, including punching bags and footwork patterns. Boxing has gained a considerable following in the Parkinson’s community in the last few years and is worth seeking out if available in your area.Strength Training
Strength training involves using resistance (weights, resistance bands, or body weight) to build muscle. Exercises such as leg lifts, bicep curls, and squats can help maintain muscle mass, which is essential for mobility and stability.We often place physical therapists in the home for patients that need to do strength training or other forms of physical therapy but cannot make it to a PT center. These home based PT providers can help with strength training as a way to maintain muscle mass.
Dance
Dance classes designed for people with Parkinson’s offer a creative and social way to exercise. Dancing involves rhythm, movement, and coordination, all of which can help with balance and motor control.Dance is generally available through local community centers, senior centers or even private providers who offer dance classes tailored for Parkinson’s. The additional benefit that Dance provides is creating and maintaining a sense of community which reduces social isolation.
Summary
Engaging in a regular exercise routine tailored to the needs of someone with Parkinson’s can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes:- Improved Mobility and Gait: Enhanced ability to walk with fewer freezing episodes and greater stride length, leading to increased independence.
- Reduced Fall Risk: Better stability and coordination, making it easier to navigate different environments safely.
- Enhanced Mood: Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, better sleep, and a more positive outlook on life.
- Slowed Progression of Motor Symptoms: Potential delay in the onset of more severe symptoms, allowing for a longer period of independence.
- Greater Social Interaction and Emotional Support: Increased opportunities for social engagement and emotional well-being.
- Increased Confidence and Independence: Greater self-assurance in managing daily tasks and participating in activities.
ALWAYS CONSULT A MEDICAL PRACTIONER BEFORE COMMENCING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM
For our Podcast, go to https://keepmehomelonger.buzzsprout.com/
For our podcase episode on Parkinson’s got to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2357378/15047985
For our podcast episode on Music Therapy for Parkinson’s go to : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2357378/15478716
References
Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Exercise
American Parkinson Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/the-benefits-of-exercise/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease
