Scientific evidence is showing the benefits of exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease is growing.
Exercise has been shown to have the potential to slow down the loss of dopamine-producing cells, thereby slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s.
Besides exercise having many other health benefits, it has also been shown that in people with progressive neurological conditions like Parkinson’s exercises will help to drive neuroplastic changes in the brain. Neuroplasticity is the term for the sprouting of new brain pathways responsible for improved physical function. This means that exercises can help people with Parkinson’s overcome the movement difficulties they encounter.
What type of Exercises would benefit Parkinson’s Disease?
· Aerobic learning-based exercises have been shown to have protective benefits to brain cells. These exercises promote attention and learning.
· Exercises that challenge the heart and lungs
· Random-practice exercises: exercises that challenge the person to change movement tempo, direction, and activity.
· Exercises that promote good biomechanics, good posture, trunk rotation, and normal rhythmic, symmetric movements.
· Exercises that challenge the individual’s balance and promote preparatory body adjustments.
· Exercises that require large, rhythmical movements through a full range of movement reduce rigidity in people with Parkinson’s.
Early Intervention
While all people will benefit from exercises at any stage of their disease, better results are possible by treating people early after diagnosis, before they are falling or freezing – with intensive, amplitude-based and multi-tasking training strategies.
Where do I Start?
Never Gunje, our Senior Physiotherapist, has a special interest in Parkinson’s Disease treatment. He is a qualified PD Warrior Instructor with years of experience in successfully treating people with Parkinson’s. Don’t waste time, early intervention is key, book now and start your treatment.