Exercise and Parkinsons Disease: A key component in Parkinsons Disease (PD) care and treatment.
Exercise and Parkinsons disease go hand in hand. As a neuromuscular disorder exercise can play an important role in Parkinson’s’ Disease therapy.
Why? Targeted exercise helps Parkinson’s patients with coordination, muscle strength, and movement. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects the ability to control movement and balance which can make walking and other motor movements difficult, even walking on flat, even surfaces can be a challenge.
Exercise that reinforces muscle strength, coordination, and movement can help to prevent falls. Even when falls may be inevitable exercise can help to limit the injury that occurs and help to facilitate recovery.
Falls are a very real risk, sometimes requiring surgery which can lead to further complications related to medications, blood clots, and heart involvement.
What kind of activity helps exercise and Parkinson's Disease?
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a general exercise and Parkinsons disease plan should include
- Stretching – 2–3 days per week with daily stretches being ideal
- This could include yoga or just general stretching.
- All stretches should work on sustained stretching with deep breathing or dynamic stretching before exercise.
- Aerobic Activity – 3 days a week for 30 minutes per session
- Aerobic activities can include exercises that raise your heart rate including walking, running, cycling, swimming, and an aerobics class.
- Strength Training – 2–3 non-consecutive days for 30 minutes per session
- Strength training can include weight machines, resistance bands, and light/moderate handheld weights.
- Balance Exercises – 2–3 days per week with daily smaller activities
- Exercises should include activities that require multi-directional stepping, weight shifting, dynamic balance activities, large movements, and multitasking such as yoga, tai chi, dance, or boxing.
Exercise and Parkinson's disease: There are excellent online and in person classes for Parkinson's Patients.
Exercise and Parkinson’s disease, go hand in hand. In-person exercise classes are also an excellent way to socialize, motivate, and stay active. Due to a variety of circumstances sometimes you may not be able to travel to manage exercise and Parkinson’s disease.
There are even many online classes to be sure you don’t miss a day. In-person exercise classes are an excellent way to socialize, motivate, and stay active. No matter what you do keep moving! With the availability of in-person classes and activities you can easily do at home, there is no reason not to include exercise and Parkinson’s disease care as part of your daily routine.
The following is a listing of some online videos and resources to support exercise and Parkinson's disease in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and beyond.
- Hope Parkinson’s Group has in-person exercise and Parkinson’s disease classes for residents of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the surrounding areas.
- The Parkinson’s Foundation has a series of videos to tailored to the needs of PD patients.
- APDA Virtual activities including live events, and a catalog of varied past events.
- Parkinson Foundation Boxing Workout
- Rock Steady Boxing Videos: (Seated or Standing)
- Power For Parkinson’s: Parkinson’s Home Exercise Class, Brain Teasers, and More!
- Patrick LoSasso: 5 great PD exercises
- Tai Chi Moving For Better Balance
Do you need assistance with Parkinson's Care?
Abby Services is there for you and your loved ones. We have been helping families find the best caregivers at the best price since 1996! Here is more information on how we can help a loved me with Parkinson’s. Have any questions? We can help, just call 239-590-0861!