In this article, we examine why exercise benefits people with the Parkinson's disease and how it affects the brain. We also take a look at some examples and tips for exercising with the condition.
Why should people with Parkinson's disease exercise?
La Parkinson's Foundation says there is growing evidence of the short- and long-term benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson's disease.
A study, known as the Parkinson's Outcomes Project, conducted by the eponymous organization, found that people with this disorder who did some exercise for at least 2.5 hours a week experienced a slower decline in mobility and quality of life than others.
One of the main benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson's is better management of symptoms.
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This includes an improvement of:
- walk
- balance
- tremors
- flexibility
- strength in grip
- motor coordination
- posture
- rigidity
Impact of physical activity on the brain
Keeping active not only helps the physical aspects of Parkinson's but also the mental aspects. It has been shown to help relieve symptoms of fatigue, mood, sleep problems and mental health.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls the brain's reward and pleasure centers, as well as regulating movement and emotional responses. In Parkinson's disease, there is a dopamine deficiency.
Although physical activity has not been shown to increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, research shows that it helps to use it more efficiently.
Types of exercise
The exercises that a person with Parkinson's disease should undertake depend on how limiting their symptoms are. In all cases, training should focus primarily on three areas:
- flexibility and elongation
- aerobic, also known as cardio
- endurance or muscle tone training
There are many different types of exercises that involve all three of these areas. These exercises include:
- tai chi
- yoga
- cycling
- jump
- running
- Pilates
- dance
The type of training known as “random practice” has been found to be very beneficial, particularly for people with Parkinson's disease. This is an aerobic exercise that challenges the individual to change speed, activity or direction.
It is also essential for people with Parkinson's disease to vary the activities they perform. This is because people with this condition may find it difficult to change activities and perform two activities at the same time. Consequently, practice and random variation will help bring these symptoms into play.
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Things to consider
There is no specific exercise program that a Parkinsonian should follow. The most suitable exercises vary from person to person depending on the person's symptoms. The organization Parkinson's UK recommends that people with mild symptoms apply themselves in high-intensity exercises, such as working out at the gym.
Individuals with moderate symptoms should follow exercises targeted to their symptoms. Individuals with more complex symptoms should train with exercises that help them complete daily activities that are more problematic.
Recommended types of exercise that are good for Parkinson's disease
It is worth noting that cycling, in particular, requires both balance and adequate reaction time. These two qualities are both impaired in Parkinson's disease. Consequently, the use of a traditional bicycle may be risky. Alternatively, the use of three-wheel or tandem bicycles may be considered.
The University of California also says that weightlifting training is not the best choice for people with this condition, although it is very important to keep muscle tone active.
Muscle tone exercises that can go in place of weight lifting include:
- push up to the toes
- modified squats
- Getting up and repeatedly sitting in a chair
- Wearing ankle and wrist weights at home or during a walk
- push-up or wall push-up
Swimming is a good exercise for coordination, but it does not involve balance. Therefore, it may not be the best exercise for people with Parkinson's disease.
The ideal time to exercise for a parkinsonian person is when their mobility is best, usually about an hour after taking medication. However, this can vary from individual to individual, so the important thing is to train when mobility is optimal.
Tips for working out with Parkinson's
Be careful
Before someone with Parkinson's begins a new exercise program, they should first discuss with their neurologist, physician, and physical therapist what exercises are best for them.
Use a pedometer
Also known as a pedometer, this tool will allow one to keep track of how many steps are taken in an average day. One can then start here to evaluate which workout might be best for us.
Constance
The best way for Parkinsonians to see the benefits from exercise is to practice it consistently. People with Parkinson's disease who followed exercise programs for 6 months or more showed significant improvements compared with those who exercised for shorter periods.
More intensity, more benefit
People with Parkinson's should exercise, as often as possible and for as long as possible. The amount they can do varies according to their symptoms, but the general rule of thumb is that the more the person trains, the greater the benefit gained.
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Integration and variation
People with Parkison can start physical activity by beginning with small changes, such as:
- Walking instead of driving whenever possible
- walking up the stairs instead of taking an elevator
- avoid long periods of inactivity
In addition, varying the exercises and where they are performed, for example, indoors or outdoors, will not only help the symptoms of the disease, but will decrease boredom and increase motivation.
Defaticamento
Proper defatigueing of the activity allows the heart rate to slowly lower and prevents the muscles from becoming stiff. A good warm-up and stretching are also very important for the activity.
Have fun
Having fun while exercising will make it easier to practice. Group activities, including exercise classes, often help with this.
Parkinson's physiotherapy, when to see a physiotherapist
When it is first diagnosed the Parkinson's disease, it is also necessary to make an appointment with a physical therapist ( physiotherapy for parkinson's ) to prepare a tailored training program together with him.
All people with Parkinson's disease should have an exercise program suited to their needs. A physical therapist will help avoid risks, get advice on one's type of Parkinson's, and give more confidence.
As the disease progresses, a person should have periodic checkups with their physical therapist to maximize the benefits of workouts by changing them when necessary.
Conclusions
There are so many benefits to doing physical activity, especially for people with Parkinson's disease. Those with this condition should talk to their doctor or an advisory group to work out a specific program to help them start or maintain an exercise program.
It is also helpful to find more information about the many lessons specific to the Parkinson's disease ongoing across the country. There may be a group nearby that someone could turn to for advice and support.
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