Bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease: exercises and therapies to improve movement

Bradykinesia is a medical term for a marked reduction in the speed and amplitude of voluntary movements.

It is one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a chronic neurodegenerative condition. In Parkinson's it significantly affects patients' quality of life, making daily actions such as writing, walking or performing household tasks difficult.

In this article, we will explore the most effective strategies and therapies to improve mobility in people with bradykinesia.

La Physiotherapy: a central approach to bradykinesia

As there is no definitive cure for bradykinesia, physiotherapy emerges as a key treatment in the management of this symptom in Parkinson's, offering specialized techniques to improve mobility and motor control.

Physical therapy exercises, such as active and passive mobilization, muscle stretching and coordination, are essential to combat the reduction in speed and range of motion, a central aspect of bradykinesia.

These treatments not only help preserve motor skills, but also help delay symptom progress.

Benefits Of regular exercise in parkinson's

Incorporating a regular exercise routine is crucial to the management of Parkinson's disease. Various types of activities, such as walking, tai-chi, yoga, and Nordic walking, are particularly beneficial for increasing physical strength, maintaining balance, and improving flexibility and posture.

Exercises should be chosen according to individual conditions and always under the supervision of a physician or physical therapist to ensure a safe and individualized approach to treatment.

The role of occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is an important component in the treatment of bradykinesia. This therapy focuses on adapting daily activities, making them more manageable for patients. It includes the use of assistive tools or technologies, improvement of coordination and dexterity through specific exercises, and teaching compensatory strategies to perform tasks more efficiently. It also provides energy management techniques to optimize efficiency in daily activities, thus helping to maintain a high quality of life despite the limitations imposed by bradykinesia.

La Gondola AMPS therapy in the treatment of bradykinesia

Several studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of Gondola AMPS therapy in treating bradykinesia. This therapy uses mechanical stimulation of specific points on the feet to increase functional connectivity in areas of the brain involved in movement. It has been shown to improve management of symptoms such as walking and balance, reducing the risk of falls.

Among the most notable benefits documented are increased speed and stride length. These results suggest that Gondola AMPS therapy may be an effective addition to the treatment regimen for patients with bradykinesia.

Conclusion: a multidisciplinary approach is key

The management of bradykinesia in Parkinson's requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines medication, physiotherapy, exercise, technological innovations, and supportive therapies. Collaboration among different health care professionals is essential to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the specific needs of each patient.