Why Routine Parkinsons Disease Exercise Is So Important

By Patrick Hayes


If you or a loved one is currently suffering from Parkinsons disease, it is important to have a solid plan for therapy and care. This can both stave off advanced symptoms of this progressive illness and promote a higher quality of living. Following are some of the impressive benefits that aging adults can gain from various forms of Parkinsons disease exercise.

While PD is often associated with uncontrolled shaking of the hands or other extremities, the stiffness that is commonly caused by this illness is what tends to make it so disruptive and debilitating. Movements prevent stiffness by allowing fluid movement of the limbs and proper coordination. Regular workouts can allow PD sufferers to get out and about and engage in many activities while limiting the likelihood of dystonia.

Keeping moving is also good for promoting good health after diagnosis. Patients should still do all that they can to maintain healthy and balanced body weights, rather than leading sedentary lives and loading their diets with an abundance of sugar and fat. Routine physical activity is the best way for aging adults to keep the extra pounds off, especially given that the metabolism is wont to slow down at this stage of life.

Another important benefit gained from these activities is dramatically improved balance. Maintaining balance and coordination is vital for ensuring that people can live on their own for as long as possible and without the need for significant assistance. With these two attributes, they can safely do more for themselves.

With better balance, aging adults can avoid potentially devastating, trip and fall injuries. This is especially true in the shower, bath and kitchen. A lot of aging adults overlook the need to participate in balance exercises. Once this skill starts to abate, however, there is still much that people can do to regain it.

Among some of the best exercises that people can do when suffering from this ailment are those that involve opposite arm and leg movements. Walking and jogging are good activities, as are dance and swimming. These help engage all parts of the body so that old neural connections are maintained and new neural connections are formed. As such, these activities can be beneficial for both overall health and a person's general brain health.

People who are unable to engage in routine fitness activities can try something called forced exercise. This is far better than it actually sounds. With these activities, a person is placed on a special machine that takes his or her body through the motions of specific movements. For instance, special bikes can be used to take the body through the process of cycling, without the PD sufferer ever making the conscious decision to move.

Exercise is capable of relieving a vast range of symptoms related to motor control as well as the stiffness that is characteristic of PD. This is a great way to build out a pain management plan. It is additional effective for helping seniors maintain their independence following their diagnoses by keeping them engaged and active.




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