Parkinson's Disease and Exercise
Topic Overview
Exercise is an important part of home treatment for people with Parkinson's disease . It has benefits in both early and advanced stages of the disease. Regular exercise can help you:
- Keep and improve muscle strength and endurance.
- Control your weight and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
- Improve your balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Reduce the likelihood of becoming constipated.
- Reduce your fear of falling and improve your quality of life.
Exercise can promote a sense of well-being and improve your mood. For those who have mild Parkinson's symptoms, exercise can also reduce the chance of falling.
A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and stretches to do at home to improve posture, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
A physical or occupational therapist can also help you to:
- Plan more efficient movements for daily living activities (such as bathing and dressing) so that these activities are easier and less tiring.
- Improve balance and walking.
- Use walking aids (such as canes or walkers) correctly.
Related Information
References
Other Works Consulted
- Canning C, et al. (2015). Exercise for falls prevention in Parkinson disease. Neurology, 84(3): 304–312. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000001155. Accessed January 28, 2015.
Credits
Current as of: November 20, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
G. Frederick Wooten MD - Neurology
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Current as of: November 20, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & G. Frederick Wooten MD - Neurology