A Better Living Home Care Agency
(Sacramento)

9719 Lincoln Village, Suite 609
Sacramento, California 95827
(916) 361‑3000

A Better Living Home Care Agency
(Walnut Creek/Concord)

2280 Diamond Boulevard, Suite 580
Concord, California 94520
(925) 680‑0300

Parkinson's Disease & Exercise

Studies show that daily exercise can help counteract the effects of Parkinson's disease. Exercise has been shown to slow or even stop Parkinson's disease from progressing. While a lack of exercise has shown to reduce levels of oxygen in the brain which results in further brain cell damage and loss of muscle control. Making exercise a standard part of the treatment of Parkinson's disease is just as important as taking medication, practicing stress relief, and proper diet.

Exercise Impacts Parkinson's Disease

Daily exercise therapy can:

• Slow to stop progressing Parkinson's symptoms
• Improve mobility
• Keep muscles strong
• Improve balance
• Increase oxygen to the brain
• Improve concentration & cognitive skills

Before Exercising with Parkinson's Disease

Consult your doctor: You should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Not only can your doctor tell you which exercises are harmful or helpful, she may also recommend exercise programs that have been specifically designed for persons with Parkinson's disease.

Warm‑up: Always begin your exercise with a warm‑up to increase body temperature, improve range of motion, decrease risk of injury, and mentally prepare. Typical warm‑up exercises consists of gradual aerobic exercise, often added movements slowly to heat the muscles, blood, and dilate blood vessels. Save the stretching for after you exercise because stretching a cold muscle can increase risk of pulls and tears.

Exercising with Parkinson's Disease

Save environment: Always workout in a safe environment free of slippery floors, throw rugs, and other potential dangers. Exercise in good lighting so to avoid tripping on objects. If you have difficulty balancing, exercise near a railing or grab bar. If you have trouble exercising on your feet, look for exercise programs that can be done lying down or sitting.

Hydrate: Not only be sure to drink plenty of water before and during your exercise, but also consider water therapy as an exercise program. Water aerobics or just swimming laps can provide excellent results while requiring less impact on joints and less balance.

Forced exercise: A recent study by Cleveland Clinic neuroscientist and avid cyclist, Dr. Jay Alberts, led him to an amazing discovery. The study shows that a viable treatment of Parkinson's disease can be a ride on a tandem bike during which the intensity of the cycling is dictated by a friend, family member, caregiver, or electric motor. The additional boosts to get the legs stimulated can eliminate Parkinson's symptoms for weeks at a time. Regular forced exercise may eliminate the disorder all together. Talk to your doctor about this amazing treatment.

After Exercising with Parkinson's Disease

Cool down: This is often perceived as the best part of a work out. The cool down allows your body to temperature to lower, your heart rate and respiration slow down gradually. During a cool down it is important to keep moving. Dizziness and fainting can happen when a workout is stopped suddenly and blood pools in the legs. A comfortable walking pace, stretching, or gentle swinging motions in the limbs are all relaxing ways to cool down.

Congratulate yourself: You did it! Go ahead and enjoy the proud emotions that come with completing another workout routine, accomplishing another goal, and simply being good to your body. Enjoy the boost in your mood that can often last for hours. Enjoy stronger muscles, improved motor skills, and sharper cognitive skills. Only you could do this for yourself. Give yourself a round of applause for doing what no one else could do for you!

Learn Facts about Parkinson's
Parkinson's & Nutritrion
Parkinson's & Fatigue
Parkinson's & Stress
Parkinson's & Relationships
Parkinson's & Home Safety