Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder. It is the second most common neurological disease in Australia, after dementia, affecting over 150,000 people. Exercise is crucial in Parkinson’s Disease management. Not only does it help reduce both motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease, but there is also increasing evidence to show that it can help prevent and slow its development and progression. Exercise programs individually designed by Exercise Physiologists for Parkinson’s Disease can help to improve results and optimise outcomes.

Exercise as Symptomatic Treatment for Parkinson’s

Exercise has the potential to help both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, as well as secondary complications of immobility, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular conditions.

Motor:

• Improve gait, balance, flexibility, mobility, strength, and coordination.
• Reduce the risk of falls.
• Reduce tremors and freezing symptoms of PD.

Non-motor:

• Decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and support brain health.
• Enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function.
• Promote better quality sleep and reduce fatigue.
• Promote gut motility, supporting healthy digestion and reducing constipation.

Exercise as Parkinson’s Prevention

Evidence suggests that exercise has great potential as a ‘disease-modifying’ therapy, which is a treatment type that targets the underlying cause of the disease to delay, slow, or reverse its progression. Exercise is the only intervention currently shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Increased physical activity is associated with a 9% reduction in the risk of developing PD.

Chemicals released during exercise promotes neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to form new connections and to reorganize its structure and function. This decreases cell death and may delay the neurodegeneration process, preventing or slowing the disease’s development.

Why see an Exercise Physiologist?

While any exercise is better than none, working with an Exercise Physiologist (EP) can help to optimize outcomes.

EPs are accredited, university qualified professionals who are specialists in designing and delivering exercise programs as a form of evidence-based therapy for a range of conditions. When it comes to Parkinson’s Disease and other chronic health conditions, EPs can design tailored programs that keep clients active and independent for as long as possible.

Tailored Therapy:

• Programs are tailored to the client’s condition, including symptoms and their severity.
• Tailored to client’s personal goals and preferences.
• Adjusted to energy levels.
• Help with specific tasks, individualized for client’s daily living tasks.

Progressive Programs:

• Designed to help maintain long term physical and mental function.
• Ensure exercise remains integral throughout progression of disease.

Support and Motivation:

• Ongoing support, motivation, and education to help clients stay committed.

Education and Self-Management

• Education about exercise management plans and their benefits.
• Empower the client to take an active role in their PD management.

Accessing Exercise Physiology Services at Patches

The Patches team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are experts in designing, adapting and delivering safe and effective exercise interventions for a range of age groups and abilities. Services may be in-clinic, at home, in community or via telehealth, according to your needs. NDIS, Aged Care (CHSP funded) and private clients are all welcome.

For more information about Exercise Physiology at Patches, click here.

To make a referral, click here.

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