Parkinson’s Exercise – Which exercise is best?

31st March 2021

 

Although exercise may not be a cure for Parkinson’s, it has been shown to be one of the most powerful treatments. Exercise can help people manage symptoms and side effects and research has shown it can be effective in slowing down the progression of the disease. But the question still remains as to which exercise is best?

 

The best exercise to do depends on your individual needs, preferences and goals. There is no straight forward answer but in broad terms the best exercise will be the one that is safe, enjoyable and one that challenges you. 

 

Below are some tips for exercise recommendations based on common Parkinson’s symptoms and side effects: 

 

To improve muscle strength and prevents muscle wasting

• Take part in strengthening or resistance exercise
• Perform all movements with control and good form
• Work the major muscle groups including back, chest, legs and arms

 

To improve balance

• Tai chi
• Yoga
• Strengthening exercises
  

 

For coordination, agility and movement

• Dancing, boxing
• PD warrior, PD Movement, PD Power exercises

 

For preventing freezing of gait and falls

• Focus on bigger movements and make use of cues e.g. holding your hands or tapping a stick in front of you
• Walking

 

For dystonia and muscle cramps

• Lower impact exercises e.g. swimming and walking
• Stretch overactive muscles e.g. calf muscles and strengthen opposing muscles e.g. Tibialis Anterior muscles over the shin.

 

To prevent fatigue

• Most exercise can help but make sure you choose ones you enjoy to maximise the benefits
• Take part in a combination of different exercises and activities
• Get outside more
• You may feel tired at first but this does not mean your fatigue will worsen in the long run

 

#BB Tip: Rate your fatigue on a scale of 1-10 before and after your training, this can help you learn to understand the exercise that makes you feel best.

 

For delaying disease progression

• Take part in skill based exercises involving movement repetitions, learning and feedback. This includes playing a sport, dancing and PD movement exercises.
• Take part in high intensity exercises or exercises of varying intensities. 

Both these types of exercise are cognitively challenging. This means the brain is engaged and is the driving force behind the movements.  

Listen to the full podcast talking about exercise and Parkinson’s:  https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/giselle-petzinger

 

Get in touch to find out more about exercise for Parkinson’s