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| Maria Cole |
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that causes a wide range of symptoms that result from the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical responsible for smooth, purposeful movement.
Symptoms can include hand tremors, shuffling steps with walking, stiffness when turning the neck, and loss of balance. People with PD also report difficulty with getting up from low chairs and with moving around in bed. Other symptoms may include a decreased sense of smell, a softer voice, difficulty swallowing and smaller handwriting. The cause of PD is still unknown at this time.
Though it is difficult emotionally to process a diagnosis of Parkinson’s for yourself or a loved one, there is hope. There are things that you can do to improve quality of life. Among the recommendations from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association are to see a medical provider who specializes in PD, such as a general neurologist or a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. A physician can then prescribe medications that may help manage symptoms. Additionally they recommend consistent exercise.
There have been numerous research studies providing evidence for the benefits of exercise in persons with PD. They have shown improved motor function and greater dopamine sparing. Exercise can improve both motor (walking, balance, strength) and nonmotor (mood, fatigue, digestion, sleep, bone density) aspects of PD. Examples include improved leg muscle power and balance, both of which are important in reducing fall risk; improved weight shifting while moving from sitting to standing to make it easier to stand up from a chair; aerobic training to increase walking stride and speed as well as to improve mood, enhance attention and reduce perceived fatigue.
Exercise has been shown to increase the brain’s ability to adapt. Oftentimes those who participate in an exercise program feel more confident and gain a sense of control over their symptoms with an overall improved quality of life. People with PD engaged in a long-term exercise program have less disability as their disease progresses.
People with PD can exercise safely and successfully at moderate to high intensities. The American College of Sports Medicine defines this as 60-90 percent of your maximum heart rate (220-age). For someone who is 70 years old, this would be between 90-135 beats per minute. The current recommendation by ASCM for the older adult are 20-60 minutes at that level three to five days per week depending upon your overall health and fitness. Although there is little data on the optimal amount of exercise most beneficial for those with PD, there is emerging evidence that a higher rate of exercise is safe, well tolerated, and may have greater results in motor function and dopamine sparing effects.
Exercise can come in many forms, with options for almost any interest. Some include dance, Tai Chi, yoga, biking and walking. Keys to success in initiating and maintaining an exercise program are choosing an activity that you enjoy and putting it in your schedule. For some people, the socialization in an exercise class can be fun and improve consistent participation. A Fit-Bit can track your activity and help you to set goals to gradually increase your exercise over time. Keep it interesting with some variety, alternating strength training with endurance training. Regular exercise can help someone with PD manage their health more effectively, improve their day-to-day functioning, and quality of life.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160821/flexible-fitness-combating-parkinsons-disease
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