[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Bill Wild

An exercise program should be both passive and active inclusive of stretching/flexibility, balance, gait training, mental tasks and speech exercise. These programs need to be very structured, consistent and monitored with the data collected to establish bench marks for performance and goals. A personal journal of your exercise program is an excellent method to monitor you achievements.

Use the outside, use the sidewalks around your home and have fun, be social and active. Being outside in the sunshine is an excellent way to reach your daily intake of vitamin D. This is an important consideration; keep track of the distance walked on the first day to establish a benchmark for your improvement. Your environment outside of your living quarters now becomes part of the daily routine which can be measured, goals set and achieved. Again, this is about the quality of life.

It is known that physical exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, like walking, running, swimming, bicycling promotes the release of neurotropic factors–these are chemicals that bathe brain cells in nutrients that help brain cells resist degeneration and to make connections with other brain cells. In addition, aerobic exercise increased the amount of blood and oxygen to the brain cells to make connections with other brain cells thus enhancing brain function; and conversely reductions in physical activity leads to reductions in brain cell activity and brain cell interconnectivity.

The program should, no must include, the following:

Stretching

Strength training

Aerobic conditioning

Aquatic exercise *

Range-of- motion therapy

*Aquatic exercise is one of the most beneficial for those with Parkinson’s as it allows for more dynamic movement as the body weight is supported by water. It is recommended that a 20 meter x 10 meter x 1.5 meter pool be used for these exercise programs with a constant temperature of 85-91 degrees. A SALT WATER POOL would be ideal.

Day sleeps, Taking short sleeps during the day are restorative. Many people with Parkinson’s suffer from disturbed sleep. Taking a nap or several naps during the day can help to make sure that you get sufficient sleep therefore keeping the energy level high.

Although depression is very common in PD, there have been surprisingly few controlled studies. This is an opportunity for utilizing both the exercise for socialization, mood swings, and managing emotionally stress. The best counter stress activity is exercise.

One especially appropriate method of exercise is Movement Exploration, which consists of a large number of exercises performed in group classes that aims at improving autonomic motor responses. Do these activities with music whenever possible. Aerobics, dance Tai Chi done to music would be examples.

If exercising at a health club it is important that the blood pressure is checked often. A stethoscope should be on premises as Parkinson’s have a high probability of Orthostatic Hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure and could cause a person to pass out. In most exercise facilities/health clubs/gyms the conclusion is this person has fallen, which isn’t the case. Make sure you give information to the instructor or facility manager prior to beginning an exercise program. Remember most exercise facilities aren’t prepared for a person with Parkinson’s. Also it is vital that you take your medications at the precise times. As you know when taken on time results in an “off” period which could have a dramatically effected and will take some time to get them back into your normal routine. These two issues cause major problems and most common with facilities that conduct exercise classes for individuals with Parkinson’s.

Be smart educate those who don’t know or understand Parkinson’s what your requirements are and what you can and cannot do. The goal is to develop a program that helps you manage the disease and enjoy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]