Physical Activity and Parkinson’s Disease

Get Active and Stay Active!

• People with Parkinson's who exercise fare better over time than those who are not active. 
• Physical activity should be initiated early in the diagnosis and be a life-long commitment.
• Engaging in aerobic activity, along with other activities for strength, flexibility and balance, improves Parkinson's symptoms and sense of well being.

Why Aerobic Activities? 

• Aerobic activities make the body's large muscles move in a rhythmic manner for a sustained period of time. 
• Aerobic activities improve physical fitness, including strength and endurance.
• Aerobic activities have a positive effect on slowness and stiffness, as well as mood, and quality of life. 

Examples include: brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, water aerobics, skating, hiking, treadmill or elliptical, Wii

Why Flexibility Activities? 

• Flexibility or stretching exercises improves mobility, increase range of motion, and reduce stiffness.
• Improving range of motion affects posture and walking ability making everyday activities easier.

Examples include: Tai Chi, stretching

Why Strengthening Activities? 

• Strengthening activities improve muscle strength, walking speed, posture and overall physical fitnes. 
• Improving strength will help everyday activities, such as getting up from a chair, easier to manage. 

Examples include: yard work or gardening, weights/resistance (free weights, elastic bands, body weight)

Why Balance Activities? 

• Balance activities improve posture and stability.
• Better balance reduces the fear of falling and help in perfoming daily tasks.

Examples include: Yoga, hiking, Wii

Get Started!

• Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program, especially if you have other health issues or are over 60.
• Work with a physical therapist/physiotherapist to develop a speicifc program that meets your needs. A physiotherapist can ensure you are performing activities safely and that they are right for you. 
• Choose a variety of activities to reduce boredom.
• Have fun! Choosing activities you like will help you stay with a program.

Use the following chart to track your progress

Tips: 

• Take your Parkinson medications on time for maximum mobility.
• Take 3-5 minutes to warm up at the beginning and cool down as you finish. 
• Exercise in a way that is safe for you (e.g. when doing balance exercises you may need a stable support nearby). 
• Concentrate on doing the exercises correctly.
• Start with shorter periods of exercise and gradually increase. Greater intensity equals greater benefits. 
• Monitor fatigue both during and after activities. At the end, you should feel tired, but not exhausted. 
• Drink water to stay hydrated. 
• Join a group or find an "exercise buddy"

Photo Credit: cuegalos

By: Grace Ferrari, Parkinson's Expert at AgeComfort.org Health Care Resource Centre