Parkinson’s Disease (PD) 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 (APDA) 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 the APDA recommends consistent exercise.
There have been numerous research studies providing evidence for the benefits of exercise in person’s with PD. They have shown improved motor function and maintenance of dopamine-producing brain cells. Exercise can improve both motor (walking, balance, strength) and non-motor (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. Often, 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 (ASCM) defines this as 60 to 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 3-5 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 increased dopamine levels.
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, the socialization in an exercise class can be fun and improve consistent participation. A Fitbit or other exercise tracking device can track your activity and help you to set goals to gradually increase your exercise over time. Keep it interesting with some variety. Regular exercise can help someone with PD manage their health more effectively, improve their day-to-day functioning, and quality of life.
The Center for Neurorehabilitation at Boston University and the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA) has designed a Community Wellness Program to help people with PD improve their health, day-to-day functions and quality of life. The program targets individuals who have been diagnosed with PD in the past few years and are looking to increase their fitness level. The program includes cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, balance exercises and stretching targeted at the impairments that most often affect people with PD, along with tips to continue these exercises in your home or gym environment.
The Community Wellness program is offered all over the state and will be held at Spaulding Outpatient Center in Framingham starting Sept. 20. The program runs for six weeks, two days a week. The cost is $199. Please contact Maria Cole at 508-532-4268 for further details, as there are criteria to qualify for the program. If you don’t live in MetroWest, you can check the American Parkinson’s Disease Association of Massachusetts website (www.apdama.org) to see if the program is offered in your area. There is also an APDA Information and Referral Center telephone hotline you can call with questions at 617-638-8466 or toll-free at 800-651-8466.
Rhonda Salvo, PT, is a staff physical therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham specializing in the treatment of a variety of orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses
Amy Senese, PT, DPT is a staff physical therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham specializing in treating both orthopedic and neurological diagnoses.
from myhealtyze http://www.myhealtyze.tk/flexible-fitness-combating-parkinsons-disease-milford-daily-news/
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