Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and the nervous system. Over time, symptoms can worsen, causing tremors, stiffness, difficulty with balance and coordination, and eventually leading to severe disability. Despite the challenges, an increasing body of research has shown that exercise is an effective tool for managing and even improving the condition. Here are some of the key findings regarding the impact of physical activity on Parkinson’s.
Positive Results from Physical Activity on Parkinson’s
A review of data for nearly 8,000 people with Parkinson’s found that those who participated in any kind of physical activity showed “mild to large improvements” in motor skills and quality of life compared to those who didn’t exercise. The research found exercising can slow and modify symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by improving ease of movement, reducing symptoms such as tremor and rigidity, and improving gait features for more normalized stepping and balance.
Furthermore, any exercise is beneficial from strength training and endurance to swimming, dance and yoga. A physical therapist recommends doing any aerobic exercise with moderate intensity that will elevate the heart rate 20 to 30 beats above the resting rate for 30 to 40 minutes, three times per week. Exercises should include a variety of functional movements, multidirectional movements, and some resistance (strength) training.
Exercise Helps Manage Depression in Parkinson’s
Studies have also shown that exercise is useful in treating depression that commonly occurs in patients with Parkinson’s disease. A recent study suggests that exercise should be considered a serious treatment option for depression. The study reviewed data from 41 papers, tracking 2,264 people with depression to see how exercise would affect their symptoms.
The effects of exercise on depression were substantial enough that it should be offered as “an evidence-based treatment option” for the disease. Future research is needed to consider exercise a “first-line treatment” for depression, recommended at the same level as psychotherapy and medication.
Aerobic exercise and resistance training had big effects on reducing depression symptoms, as did supervised and group exercises of “moderate intensity”. Exercise is a possible treatment option for patients with depression, especially those who cannot use medication or psychotherapy as treatments.
Physical Activity Helps Patients Keep Well
Physical activity is also important for managing Parkinson’s disease and can improve symptoms, even for just 2.5 hours a week. The Parkinson’s Active project in Scotland has been launched to develop physical activity opportunities for people with Parkinson’s in the region.
The project has facilitated sessions in activities like walking football and table tennis, which have made a difference for people with Parkinson’s by improving their condition and providing new friendships and purpose for them. Expansion of the work across Scotland is planned by working with ten leisure trusts and training 46 instructors to deliver more than 25 different exercise sessions.
Parkinson’s UK is part of a coalition of 16 leading health charities in Scotland, Movement for Health, which is calling on the Scottish Government to improve policy and practice to enable people living with long-term conditions to become more physically active. The call for action is more important than ever given that better medical treatments for Parkinson’s are on the brink. However, physical activity remains vital for keeping people with Parkinson’s well for longer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no denying that physical activity is a powerful tool in managing Parkinson’s disease. From improving motor skills to managing depression, exercise has proven time and time again to positively impact the lives of patients living with this debilitating condition. Therefore having access to exercise facilities or equipment, along with supportive professionals such as movement disorder specialists, neurologists, physical therapists and speech therapists can help patients manage and keep their condition at bay.
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