Parkinson’s Disease
What is it?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement and mood disorder typically presenting with symptoms such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, instability, tremor, depression, and anxiety. There is no known cause for the development of PD but thought that a combination of the following may play a role: ageing, genetics, infections, environmental factors, drugs, and medications.
Statistics:
Men are 1.5x likely to have PD compared to women
More than 200,000 have PD in Australia
10% people diagnosed with PD are under age 45
Most commonly diagnosed at 65 years old
Symptoms Include:
Hypokinesia
Bradykinesia
Tremor
Rigidity
Weakness
Dystonia
Postural instability
Akinesia (difficulty initiating movement, freezing)
Other non-motor impairments:
Depression
Apathy
Anxiety
Cognitive impairment
Insomnia
Constipation can lead to fatigue and anxiety, reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, increase falls risk, weakness, and loss of flexibility.
Medication & Exercise Benefits
Optimal medication + Optimal Exercise = >Quality of life and function
Medication:
Important to take medication to block the breakdown of dopamine in the brain and increase the amount of Dopamine in the brain.
Exercise 30-70mins post medication as this will be when you feel the best and ability to push yourself in the session.
Regular exercise has been shown to:
Reduce muscle stiffness
Improve mobility with better posture, balance, and gait
Decrease depression and anxiety
Enhance memory
Exercise is proven to show the decline of dopamine breakdown
Reduce fatigue
Improve constipation
Assist with slowed movement (bradykinesia)
Improve speech, and reduce swallowing and drooling
Improve writing and fine motor skills
How much Exercise and what type?
Movement is key. It has been shown that people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease complete 30% fewer steps when compared to the general population.
Based on the ACSM guidelines for PD:
Aerobic 3-4 days/per week of 30mins accumulated exercise. Moderate intensity 60-65% heart rate max (HRM) for deconditioned people with PD. Mild to moderate PD, 80-85% HRM. Prolonged rhythmic activities like walking, cycling, pole walking, swimming, and dancing are recommended.
Resistance 2-3days/per week. If deconditioned 30-60% 1 repetition max (1RM) and 60-80% 1RM more advanced exercises if conditioned. 1-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions begin with 1 set and work up to 3. Example bands, machine weights, boxing and body weighted.
Flexibility 2-3days/per week of whole-body large muscle groups. Full extension, flexion, rotation or stretch to the point of slight discomfort. Hold static stretch 10-30s with 2-4 repetitions of each.
Neuromotor Training 2-3 days/per week for 30-60mins. Exercises involving motor skills like balance, agility, coordination, gait, and dual tasking. Examples include Tai Chi, yoga, multidirectional step training and instability training.
The exercise you enjoy and will do regularly is the best exercise for Parkinson’s.
In our next Blog will deep dive into specifically what exercise prescription is used for Parkinson’s Disease symptoms of bradykinesia, tremor dominant and agility impaired.
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Post Created By Brooke - Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Prescribe Exercise are your local exercise physiology specialists. We provide exercise rehabilitation to assist manage and prevent injury and chronic disease in the Wollongong and Illawarra area. Our programs will assist to achieve personal excellence, we do this by taking the time to educate and empower you with the highest quality care and exercise best practice available. We genuinely care for our clients and want to make a difference in your life, we will help you to get better and stay better so that you can regain control of your health once again.
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