Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that can affect the whole body. Parkinson’s can lead to shuffling of feet, tremors at rest, feeling of imbalance, rigidity, and much more. It is a disease that can cause problems with driving, walking, eating, and just activities of daily living in general.
The treatment for Parkinson’s disease at this point in time is usually some form of medication management. This is great, but it will only delay the symptoms of Parkinson's for a period of time. It is BEST to combine the medical management with diet and EXERCISE.
So you are here because you are interested in what exercises will be the best for you or your loved one. What exercises will lead to less falls, more independence, less reliance on that walker, etc.
I will tell you right now that there is not a magic exercise.
It takes time. Commitment. Patience.
If you were an athlete looking to try to get a college scholarship for basketball, you would be training in that gym and weight room almost every day.
Same thing here. It takes a commitment. To combat Parkinson’s disease, it involves time, commitment, and hard work.
One BEST exercise for Parkinson’s disease?
So this is not a place where you will find an exercise program where “one size fits all.” Each client that has a history of Parkinson’s will present differently. Some will present with rigidity, some will present with a shuffling walking pattern, and another will just have a slight resting tremor of their hand. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT.
Current research has shown that different types of whole body exercises like boxing, Tai-chi, dance, pool therapy, or whole body strengthening/balance programs are the best.
And I get it…that is a lot of options. So you might be asking: “So what is BEST Kelly?”
The best is what you feel like you will do.
The best exercise for Parkinson’s disease is what you will stick with.
What is an activity that you will stick with day in and day out throughout the year?
Are you interested in dance? Lifting heavy weight? Walking? Boxing?
Just depends on what interests you. What might be work, but what can also be considered fun.
A goal-oriented mindset is important with Parkinson's Disease
This is another important question to ask yourself: What is it that you want to get out of this exercise/fitness program?
Yes, you want to combat the effects of Parkinson’s disease, but what else?
Maybe you want…..
To be able to golf again without feeling so off balance?
To be able to participate in a 5K?
To be able to get off the couch without assistance?
To get confident with walking to/from the doctor’s office without the use of a wheelchair?
Everyone that has Parkinson’s disease is on a different and unique path. One person with Parkinson’s that has been diagnosed for 10 years might look way “better” compared to someone that was just diagnosed within the year. It just depends.
Realize that even though you might have more “deficits” or “impairments” than another person does NOT mean that you should just give in. To just stop moving or trying is the worst thing you can do for your Parkinson’s Disease.
What Exercise program do I recommend for my Parkinson’s disease?
I get this question a lot. And as I have said above, it depends on what your mobility level is, your interest/goals, etc. However, what I PREFER is usually a mix of all of them. I like to have variety in MY own fitness program so why wouldn’t you?
I like to provide my clients with a Parkinson’s disease program that works on strength/resistance training (most important in my opinion), balance, and gait/endurance training as well. However, if they have access to a LSVT-Big program through a clinic or have access to a boxing class, I recommend the client to do that the other two or three days as well.
It is imperative to realize that even though you might be using a walker or even just walking 200ft seems like a marathon, you need to move and exercise at least 5 days a week. This is where you will see benefits. Not just once a week when the trainer or therapist works with you. Almost EVERY day.
Little story time….I see one woman with a history of Parkinson’s disease as well as stroke. I see her twice a week and her program might look like this:
Tuesday:
Warm-up: Dynamic stretching (Seated and standing) for 2-3 minutes Walk with walker for 2 minutes in garage
Strength program:
Box squats with 5lbs: 3x12
Counter push ups: 3x15
Mini lunges with support: 3x10 for each leg
Dead-lift from 6in block with 5lbs: 3x10
Shoulder presses with one handed support 3lb: 3x8 each arm
Walking:
Walk 100ft with cane vs walker. Rest for 2minutes. Repeat 5x.
And that is just one day. The other day, I usually focus on balance training as well as more walking/gait training. HOWEVER, that is just two days out of the week! This PD patient MUST exercise and work on the other days. So she chooses a walking program with her husband and then chair yoga the other day.
Ultimately the best exercise for Parkinson’s disease is based on YOU
Research recommends a lot of different types of exercises for Parkinson’s patients. I am sure you have heard that these are the best for Parkinson's Disease
Tai-Chi
Yoga
Boxing
Aquatic therapy
Dancing
However, there is little evidence to demonstrate that one type is soooo much better than the other. Therefore, the BEST exercise for Parkinson’s disease is very specific to the individual. What is working now, might not work later.
Some clients with Parkinson’s respond well to boxing or tai chi at first. However, over time, that individual might get bored or see a plateau in their response. So maybe we then turn to resistance and strength training!
Parkinson’s disease is a tough disease. One that will affect the individual at some point in time. What we CAN do is slow down the process with exercise, nutrition, and some medical management.
If you or a loved one is interested in starting a Parkinson’s specific program at home (online or I can come to you if in the Pittsburgh area), please reach out! I would love to help you accomplish your goals and slow the effects of Parkinson's. I am interested in growing the number of athletes out there with a history of Parkinson's disease!!
Please call/text us at 412-790-9717 or email at kelly@powerinmotionrehab so we can set up a call to see how I can help today!
Thank you!
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