Staying Active with Parkinson Disease

Do you have Parkinson Disease and have goals to be more active but do not know how to structure your exercise approach? It is worth consulting your physician before starting and also an exercise professional such as a physical therapist or trained personal trainer, but read on for some tips regarding where to begin!

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Aerobic exercise - Exercise that elevates your heart rate (fast walking, biking, elliptical, rowing) helps your body release chemicals that slow the disease progression of PD (called brain-derived neurotrophic factor). These chemicals are thought to be important drivers of neuroplasticity that helps maintain your nervous system health to promote longevity.

Strengthening exercise - Parkinson Disease can result in reduced physical activity and then secondary muscle atrophy. Strenghtening exercise, particularly to the ‘extensor’ muscle groups (quadriceps, plantarflexors, glutes, back and neck extensors) helps to keep your body strong.

Balance exercise - Some exercises can be done that can help to minimize your risk of falls. Balance is complex and issues can be caused by many different factors, so it is worth seeking a professional to assess whether or not you need balance exercises and whether or not you are safe to perform them alone. Sometimes, instruction relating how to use an assistive device can help your balance and improve your physical activity without having to worry about falling.

Seek out a neurological clinical specialist physical therapist - A neurological clinical specialist physical therapist (also called ‘NCS’ in the physical therapy world) is a physical therapist who specializes in physical therapy for individuals with neurological conditions. While some of these physical therapists have a subspecialty in other conditions, they will have additional specialized expertise in helping people with Parkinson Disease.

Have fun with Rock Steady Boxing - Rock Steady Boxing is a fun exercise environment designed for people with Parkinson Disease. The trainers at Rock Steady guide people with Parkinson Disease through fun group boxing workouts.

A link to Rock Steady: Rock Steady Boxing Website