What is the best exercise for Parkinson’s disease?

Stroke survivors are the least active of all chronic health conditions

JOY WARD (YUEN) – PHYSIOTHERAPIST
SPECIAL INTEREST IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND MOVEMENT DISORDERS

Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s) is the lack of Dopamine being produced in a part of the brain called the Basal Ganglia. As a result, Parkinson’s sufferers often have particular symptoms unique to the condition. Read on for a list of common affects. Parkinson’s is also a progressive neurological disease meaning it gets worse over time.

The good news is that studies have begun to show that exercising can actually slow down the progression of Parkinson’s. Studies have shown a reduction in neurodegeneration and inflammation, decreased expression of the alpha synuclein protein and the slowing of mitochondrial dysfunction in cells1. In short, what causes Parkinson’s disease can be slowed down by the right dosage of exercise.

Common Physical Symptoms

Hunched posture, Sore/ Stiff neck
Reduction in core strength
Stiffness and rigidity through the body
Cramps
Freezing, Slowness, Small movements (Walking, handwriting, soft speech)
Decreased balance
Tremors (shakes) in hands

Other non-Physical Symptoms

Depression and Anxiety
Slowed thinking, Word finding difficulties
Low Blood Pressure
Continence issues

Note: Not all people with Parkinson’s Disease will experience all the above symptoms. Some people might have a symptom for a short period of time then develop another symptom later on.

Ideal Exercises to reduce the physical impact of Parkinson’s Disease

Since Parkinson’s affects various domains in the body (not just the physical) it is a good idea to have a well-rounded exercise program. Research shows that moderate – high intensity exercise (HIIT) is recommended:

3x a week
30-40minutes,
With your heart rate elevated to 70-85% of its maximum capacity

The above dosage has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, but it is also important to include stretching exercises, balance and also core exercises. As Parkinson’s disease can begin to affect cognitive function it is important to build resilience in the brain and to not forget about cognitive training as well.

Types of HIIT training

Treadmill training
Walking outdoors
Boxing (Rock Steady Boxing)
LSVT/ PD Warrior type exercises
Gym workouts
Nordic walking
Bike training

Other exercises

Yoga/ Chair Yoga
Stretching
Core exercises
Balance exercises
Tai Chi/ Qi Gong
Dancing for PD
Hydrotherapy

Strategy training

Many of the common Parkinson’s symptoms such as Freezing, Slow and Small movements can be managed with Movement strategies. There are many different strategies that can be implemented that can help people overcome their Parkinson’s symptoms. These can be found on youtube, the internet or even completing a few sessions with a Physiotherapist that is trained in helping people manage their Parkinson’s disease

*IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is generic. We always advise you to have an assessment with a Physiotherapist and Doctor first to find what is appropriate for you. References Crotty, G, Schwarzschild, M. (2020). “Chasing Protection in Parkinson’s Disease: Does Exercise Reduce Risk and Progression?”. Frontiers in aging neuroscience. Vol 12, article 186. ¹ Malczynska‑Sims, P, Chalimoniuk, M, Wronski, Z, Marusiak, J, Sulek, A (2022) “High‑intensity interval training modulates inflammatory response in Parkinson’s disease”. Aging clinical and experimental research. ² Alberts, J, Rosednfeldt, A. (2020) “The Universal Prescription for Parkinson’s Disease: Exercise”. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. S21–S27.³