Exercise and Parkinson's disease: benefits and advice

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

This disease, characterized by the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain, leads to symptoms such as muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and difficulty with balance.

Although there is no definitive cure for Parkinson's disease, numerous research studies have shown that exercise can play a key role in improving patients' quality of life.

In this article we will explore the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson's disease and provide practical tips for integrating physical activity into daily management of the disease.

The benefits of exercise

Regular exercise offers numerous benefits to people with Parkinson's disease. Scientific studies have shown that physical activity can help slow the progression of motor symptoms and maintain a better physical condition than without exercise.

One of the main benefits is the improvement of muscle strength, which is reduced by problems caused by Parkinson's such as stiffness and slowness of movement, which cause less physical activity, contributing to impaired range of motion and general symptoms of the disease. Targeted exercises help strengthen muscles, thereby improving the ability to make even basic movements such as getting up from a chair or climbing stairs.

Stretching exercises also can help maintain or even in some cases improve joint mobility, reducing muscle stiffness typical of Parkinson's, which not only facilitates daily movements, but can also allow for the reduction of pain caused by stiffness.

Exercise then has a positive effect on coordination and balance: activities such as dancing or table tennis require controlled and precise movements, which can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, one of the greatest dangers for Parkinson's patients.

Recommended types of exercises

Not all exercises are equally effective for people with Parkinson's disease. It is important to choose activities that are safe and have a positive impact on disease-specific symptoms.

Walking, swimming, and bicycling are particularly useful aerobic exercises for improving cardiovascular endurance and overall mobility.

Resistance exercises, such as pilates or water aerobics, can help strengthen muscles and improve posture, which are common problems in Parkinson's patients. Strengthening muscles through resistance exercises can significantly improve the ability to perform daily activities.

Finally, activities that help develop balance and coordination, such as tai chi and yoga, are highly recommended as they can reduce the risk of falls and improve stability. Tai chi, in particular, has been shown to be effective in improving balance and stability because of its slow and controlled movements. Yoga, in addition to improving balance, can also reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Frequency and intensity of training

Frequency and intensity of exercise are crucial aspects of maximizing the benefits of exercise in people with Parkinson's disease. It is recommended to exercise two or three times a week, and it is also useful to do walking quitidially. The combination of different types of exercise should be adapted to the patient's individual abilities, taking into account the progression of the disease and any physical limitations. Doing heavy exercises every day for the body, on the other hand, is not recommended because the body needs time to recover after exertion.

The intensity of exercise should be moderate; it is essential to listen to your body and take breaks when necessary, maintaining a balance between activity and rest. For example, too intense a workout could lead to excessive fatigue, aggravating Parkinson's symptoms rather than alleviating them.

Alternating between different types of activities can also be helpful in keeping motivation high and avoiding boredom. The help of a physical therapist or coach can help create an exercise program tailored to the patient's specific needs and abilities.

AMPS Gondola Therapy

Gondola AMPS (Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation) is an effective therapy in improving the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, thus facilitating daily exercise. This therapy involves the application of stimulation at two precise points on both feet through a CE-certified medical device. Through the therapy increases functional connectivity in brain areas involved in movement management. The benefits obtained are very noticeable in gait, balance, and muscle stiffness, and a reduction in walking freezing is also achieved.

The effects of Gondola AMPS therapy include an improvement in walking fluidity and a reduction in the rigidity and slowness of movement typical of Parkinson's disease. These are benefits that help make the performance of daily physical activities, and the performance of exercise, easier and safer.

In addition, Gondola AMPS therapy helps to decrease the risk of falls, and enables patients to increase their confidence in managing their own movements.

Incorporating Gondola AMPS into Parkinson's treatments can therefore offer tangible benefits, enabling patients to take full advantage of the benefits of exercise, and more generally to maintain a level of activity and autonomy that benefits overall well-being.

The importance of medical support

It is then essential to remember that all treatment approaches must be part of a comprehensive approach to the management of Parkinson's disease, with the support of the treating neurologist. Consulting with one's physician is essential to ensure that treatment and rehabilitation choices are appropriate for one's condition.

A multidisciplinary medical team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nutritionists, can provide comprehensive and individualized support, optimizing the benefits of exercise and improving the patient's overall quality of life. For example, a physical therapist can provide specific exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain, while a nutritionist can recommend a balanced diet that supports physical activity and overall health.

In conclusion, exercise is a vital component in the management of Parkinson's disease. With an informed and supported approach, patients can experience significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life, maintaining independence and well-being for as long as possible.