Exercise, a helpful prescription for Parkinson’s patients
People with Parkinson’s often have difficulty moving normally and safely due to their movement disorder. According to Heather Cianci, physical therapist and Geriatric Team Leader at The Dan Aaron Parkinson's Rehab, Penn Therapy & Fitness/Good Shepard Penn Partners who is a national presenter on Parkinson’s, “Anyone who is diagnosed with Parkinson's should not leave their neurologist's office with just a prescription for medication, but also a prescription for physical therapy."
We all know that exercise is good for us. Some of the many benefits include decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, improved mobility and strength, and less stress. The Surgeon General recommends 30 to 60 min of moderate to intense physical activity 5 to 7 days/ week. Finding the time to exercise 2 to 3 hours a week can be a struggle. If you have a neurological disease such as Parkinson's, however, the challenges to exercise are even greater.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological movement disorder that affects approximately 1 million Americans including Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox. Parkinson's affects the basal ganglia, a part of the brain which controls involuntary movements and is associated with lower amounts of dopamine. Some of the symptoms of Parkinson's include resting tremors, freezing when walking, masked face, limited to no arm swing with walking, balance disturbances, and very small nearly illegible handwriting. Those with Parkinson's are more likely to experience dementia, depression, and anxiety.
People with Parkinson's often have difficulty moving normally and safely due to their movement disorder. According to Heather Cianci, physical therapist and Geriatric Team Leader at The Dan Aaron Parkinson's Rehab, Penn Therapy & Fitness/Good Shepard Penn Partners who is a national presenter on Parkinson's, "Anyone who is diagnosed with Parkinson's should not leave their neurologist's office with just a prescription for medication, but also a prescription for physical therapy."
Evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist, especially one that specializes in neurological diseases, will provide useful strategies to improve movement and allow a return to regular exercise. Physical therapy is specific to the individual, however many with Parkinson's experience freezing when walking which increases the risk of falling; to overcome this, therapy often involves teaching them: Do not fight the freeze. Stop, Breath, and Step Big.
Individuals with Parkinson's typically use smaller movements and talk quietly; although their perception is that they are moving and talking normally. Therapy includes encouraging exaggerated movements. Those with Parkinson's are encouraged to take larger steps and talk loudly.
Fortunately, the Greater Philadelphia area has various classes designed specifically for Parkinson's, many of which are lifelong fitness classes. These classes focus on the various components of fitness, including cardiovascular, strength, endurance, and balance. They specifically address many of the challenges affecting those with Parkinson's such as freezing or decreased balance. Cianci says, "Starting the correct fitness routine early in your diagnosis is not only smart, studies show it may slow down the course of your disease."
SAFETY is a key component to any fitness class, as is fun and camaraderie. Both physical therapy and fitness classes should incorporate functional movements to assist you with your normal life and improve your cardiovascular health. Joyce Swartz who attends a Parkinson class at Lehigh Valley Health Network states, "The exercise makes me feel better in general and helps with walking, balance, stiffness and just going about my daily life. It also helps with things that used to be automatic like getting up from a chair."
Swartz says that she has a more positive attitude and attributes that to both exercise and the fitness class. She feels that without the class her motor skills would deteriorate faster. "It doesn't stop it, but it does slow it down," she adds. "The socialization and camaraderie of a class with people experiencing a variety of issues is a huge benefit; it teaches you to give and to accept help".
Some of the various Philadelphia areas Parkinson's classes are: Penn Therapy & Fitness at Pennsylvania Hospital, Lehigh Valley Health Network Fitness (Allentown), Moss Rehab at Tabor Rd, and Abington Health. Check with your physician or local fitness center to see if there are other classes in your area. If classes don't work for you, look to get involved with dance, another fitness class, or meet with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist with experience in Parkinson's to design an exercise program for you. Make sure to check with your physician and physical therapist to make sure the program you are beginning is safe!
Incorporating exercise is an important component of living with Parkinson's. Although there are many additional challenges once diagnosed with Parkinson's, joining a class, meeting others, having fun, and getting good professional advice, may help you better manage your symptoms, increase your activity, and improve your health.
The following are some useful websites and information on Parkinson's Disease:
National Parkinson Foundation
National Parkinson Foundation, Parkinson's Disease Fitness Counts by
Heather Cianci, PT, MS, GCS
http://www3.parkinson.org/site/DocServer/Fitness_Counts.pdf?docID=188
Michael J. Fox Foundation
LSVT Global
Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.