Battling Parkinson\u2019s disease? Fight back with exercise. That\u2019s the message emerging from a growing body of research finding that people with Parkinson\u2019s who exercise fare better over time than those who are not active.<\/p>\n
\u201cExercise is not just beneficial for people with Parkinson\u2019s, it\u2019s essential,\u201d says Janet Millar, Clinical Director and Physiotherapist at the Maritime Parkinson\u2019s Physiotherapy Clinic in Halifax. \u201cIn our clinic, we tell people that exercise is as important as medication. We say this because recent literature suggests that exercise can and does improve Parkinson\u2019s symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Typical symptoms include slowness and stiffness, impaired balance, muscle rigidity and stooped posture. \u201cThese movement issues become impossible to deal with, at some point, if people with Parkinson\u2019s do not keep themselves in good physical condition,\u201d says Millar.<\/p>\n
Noting that almost any kind of physical movement can be beneficial, if done properly, Millar recommends to her clients with Parkinson\u2019s:<\/p>\n
Exercise regularly, meaning daily. Make it challenging.<\/strong> \u201cThose are the two criteria in which the literature tells us Parkinson\u2019s can be slowed down.\u201d<\/p>\n Focus on five key areas: endurance, flexibility, balance, posture, strength.<\/strong>\u201cWalking is one of the most beneficial activities. It addresses several of those five issues and it provides opportunities to pay attention to stride length, gait pattern and arm swing, which are all affected in Parkinson\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Emphasize the anti-gravity muscle group.<\/strong> \u201cThese are the muscles that straighten you or make you taller.\u201d Back extensors, knee straighteners, triceps \u2013 the muscles at the back of the elbow that straighten the arms, enabling you to reach up, to the side and behind the back, shoulder blade squeezes. \u201cThese work against the typical stooped posture in Parkinson\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n