 |
Different exercise programs pursue different fitness goals: balance and coordination, flexibility, endurance, and strength. Examples of Parkinson’s-related exercise programs include: Resistance training. Aerobics. Alternative exercises, such as yoga. Home-based exercises. Practicing movement strategies. |
Exercise can benefit people with Parkinson’s in two ways:
Symptom management — First, exercise reduces stiffness and improves mobility, posture, balance and gait. Besides increasing oxygen delivery and maintaining neurotransmitters to keep the heart, lungs, and nervous system healthy, exercise also helps reduce depression, stress, and anxiety.
Slow disease progression — Improved mobility decreases the risk of falling and other complications associated with Parkinson’s. Vigorous exercise, such as running or riding a bicycle, can ward off changes in the brain caused by aging and Parkinson’s.
How does exercise affect the brain?
Researchers have studied the brains of mice that exercised under conditions similar to a human being on a treadmill. Exercise did not increase the number of neurons or amount of dopamine in mice brains. But it did prompt their brains to use dopamine more efficiently.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement and emotional response. Lack of it is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
Some studies have indicated that exercise reduces the chance that dopamine neurons will become damaged.
Some studies have indicated that exercise reduces the chance that dopamine neurons will become damaged.
