This week is Parkinson's Awareness Week. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder. It is caused by insufficient quantities of dopamine - a chemical in the brain which enables quick, well-coordinated movement. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement. Approximately 1% of New Zealanders above the age of 60 have Parkinson’s. There is no known cure but exercise is an important tool in managing the symptoms.
The most significant way exercise can help is by improving the body’s response to dopamine. Doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s get at least 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to help slow the progress of the disease.
Stretching, strengthening and balance exercises are also very important in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s causes physical changes that can lead to some muscle groups tightening and other muscle groups loosening. The flexors can tighten, causing a bent-forward posture. Corresponding muscles loosen – weak leg and trunk muscles can make it difficult even to get out of a chair. Challenges with postural stability, balance and co-ordination can lead to trouble with walking.
Your doctor and physio can work with a personal trainer to create an individualized program of appropriate exercises. People with Parkinson’s often have difficulty shifting from one activity to another and performing two activities at the same time. Performing integrative, functional exercises can benefit both the body and the mind.
Another way exercise can help manage Parkinson’s is through promoting better sleep. The brain recharges it’s dopamine overnight which explains why many Parkinson’s sufferers feel better in the morning and deteriorate throughout the day. For many people the morning will be the best time to exercise.
The gym is a safe environment to exercise with Parkinson’s. If you are struggling with balance and movement it can be reassuring to exercise where it’s well lit with minimal hazards and good supervision.
Parkinson’s can be a debilitating disease but with the right treatment plan and exercise regime you can maximize your movement and independence.
The most significant way exercise can help is by improving the body’s response to dopamine. Doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s get at least 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to help slow the progress of the disease.
Stretching, strengthening and balance exercises are also very important in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s causes physical changes that can lead to some muscle groups tightening and other muscle groups loosening. The flexors can tighten, causing a bent-forward posture. Corresponding muscles loosen – weak leg and trunk muscles can make it difficult even to get out of a chair. Challenges with postural stability, balance and co-ordination can lead to trouble with walking.
Your doctor and physio can work with a personal trainer to create an individualized program of appropriate exercises. People with Parkinson’s often have difficulty shifting from one activity to another and performing two activities at the same time. Performing integrative, functional exercises can benefit both the body and the mind.
Another way exercise can help manage Parkinson’s is through promoting better sleep. The brain recharges it’s dopamine overnight which explains why many Parkinson’s sufferers feel better in the morning and deteriorate throughout the day. For many people the morning will be the best time to exercise.
The gym is a safe environment to exercise with Parkinson’s. If you are struggling with balance and movement it can be reassuring to exercise where it’s well lit with minimal hazards and good supervision.
Parkinson’s can be a debilitating disease but with the right treatment plan and exercise regime you can maximize your movement and independence.
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