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Physical Exercise

Men and women with Parkinson’s should develop a comprehensive physical exercise program to maximize their mobility, overall flexibility, strength and balance. Many scientific studies are currently demonstrating that a designed structured physical exercise program will help manage the advancement of the disease simply by improved overall body strength. This could include strength building pertaining to the muscle groups required in speech and swallowing. Physical exercise can certainly have an extremely beneficial effect on the emotional well-being on everyone associated with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease and physical activity

Individuals with Parkinson’s have experienced a diminished capacity for physical activity compared to other people of similar age which is generally associated with anyone with a disability.  The absence of physical activity and exercise, training and therapy decreases the capacity to manage the disease and in all likelihood leads to an acceleration of the progression. Embracing a physical exercise program with regular and consistent participation should delay the progression of symptoms of the disease.

A structure physical exercise routine will provide benefit in the capability to function and perform every day activities. The program should consist of these 4 components, balance, stretching/flexibility, strength and forced aerobics exercise (walking, cycling, and swimming).

Mobility training exercises

Reduction of overall flexibility and stooped posture tend to be issues with Parkinson’s as well as a major factor to falls. Losing range of motion and trunk flexibility has to be stressed in your physical exercise program.  Rigidity will be a reality of Parkinson’s. Stretch! Work on posture. This is a major component of the 4 step program and needs to be worked on every day. This needs to become part of your way of life to manage the disease.

Strength exercises

Every workout session of your physical exercise program should include strength training. The lower limbs are the first area to concentrate on as legs are functional in the daily activities of standing, sitting and walking. However don’t overlook the upper limbs (arms) as the arms also contribute to balance and do work on arm swing. One of the characteristics of Parkinson’s is the inability to move or swing the arms when walking, which is a counterbalance to the legs.  So make this part of your strength training.

The physical exercises intended for strength should be conducted a minimum 2 days per week but preferably 3. Identify what muscle groups need to be worked, I would recommend one set of 10 reps with high intensity. Within a short period of time this can be increased in number of reps and sets. But don’t skip a workout; be consistent as this is now part of your lifestyle to manage the disease.

Balance training

Balance is a combination of posture, overall muscular strength, flexibility and gait or walking stride. That is why a well-rounded physical exercise program is so essential. It is estimated that up to 70% of people with Parkinson’s will fall, actually this is likely a very conservative number, the majority of those who fall will have recurrent falls and a few of these will result in hospitalization or even death.

Muscle strength combined with flexibility and posture training will have a positive effect on balance. You may want to consider programs that involve Tai Chi or Pilates since these types of exercise programs will work on posture and control that improve balance which will reduce the probably of falls. This should become an overall maintenance program to manage the disease.

Exercises to improve physical conditioning

A forced aerobic exercise program is simply that, walking, riding a stationary bike or regular cycling, swimming and walking on a treadmill will improve the overall physical condition, muscle strength and cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary functions. This will improve your overall body conditioning, as well as improve your walking gait and stride minimizing the probability of falls which improves the quality of life. That’s a pretty good ROI (return of investment) for your time and efforts.

An additional benefit of the physical exercise conditioning part of your routine is it should improve the effectiveness of medications. Also with improved physical condition the brains neuro pathways become more efficient improving motor response.

Exercises to improve gait and stride

One of the most essential concerns to tackle with Parkinson’s is the gait and stride when walking as they have such an effect on the quality of life.

Forced aerobic exercise is simply walking should be an important part of your daily routine to improve gait and stride. Walking is generally the physical exercise most prefer, however treadmills (be careful with treadmills and have a panic cord) and cycling are additionally important and frequently used to improve gait. These exercises help in establishing gait-stride patterns, leg lift, foot placement and a constant gait with a steady rhythm. This is vitally important to reduce the possibly of falling by focusing on walking speed, step length and freezing.

Training the brain through physical exercises

Presently there are many scientific studies which show that physical exercise can improve the performance of the brain with those people who have Parkinson’s. A physical exercise program can promote improvements in the functions of the brain of people with Parkinson’s which may result in behavioral modifications as well.

A great deal of research is now being conducted on physical exercise, motor function and Parkinson’s and these are exhibiting noticeable progress in motor performance in lab animal tests.  This is extremely encouraging.

The absence of physical exercise is bound to have negative consequences on the muscles, the brains capacity to react and the deterioration of the brains capability to function specifically as Parkinson’s advances. It is completely feasible the brain can be trained in some circumstances.

Your diet

To my knowledge there are no unique or specific dietary supplements, natural vitamins, minerals or nutrients which may possess any kind of clinical proven therapeutic effect on Parkinson’s.

A normal, healthy diet will certainly promote overall good health with those individuals with Parkinson’s. The optimum words are normal and healthy which typically most people don’t consume a healthy, nutritious diet. The diet has to consist of fiber and protein which needs to be timed so as not to conflict with the absorption of your medications. Drinking water is also very important, which alone with fiber will aid in the constipation.

In summary

Presently there is significantly research that supports the facts that a comprehensive physical exercise program which consists of balance training, strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise will have a tremendous impact in improving the capability of people with Parkinson’s to manage the disease. Physical exercise should influence the motor performance, improve the quality of life and could help facilitate the brain to slow the progression of the disease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]