Exercise Prescription Recommendations for Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD) IS ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR AND NONMOTOR IMPAIRMENTS THAT RESULT IN PHYSICAL DECONDITIONING, INABILITY TO PERFORM ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING, AND REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE. THIS COLUMN WILL DISCUSS EXERCISE TESTING AND PRESCRIPTION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH PD AS A METHOD TO MANAGE THE DISEASE AND IMPROVE FITNESS.

Can Boxing Deliver a Knockout Punch against Parkinson's Disease? A Review of the Evidence

“…It is difficult to treat the motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's with pharmacological interventions alone (20). Exercise is therefore a common treatment approach to managing PD (2,23–25).…”

“…Program reassessment should occur frequently to ensure a program is individualized appropriately. Moreover, the exercise professional must demonstrate patience, provide simple and effective instructions, and be willing to repeat instructions (23). Visual, auditory, and tactile cues may enhance exercise performance.…”

“…The effectiveness of common medications such as carbidopa-levodopa are reduced over time, resulting in patients needing additional medication doses to improve signs and symptoms of PD (22). However, many medications can have potential adverse effects, such as GI upset, lightheadedness, hypotension, dyskinesia, and cognitive effects, reducing the QOL of the person with PD (2,17,23). It is difficult to treat the motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's with pharmacological interventions alone (20).…”

“…Visual, auditory, and tactile cues may enhance exercise performance. Example strategies include using floor markings, rhythmic music, or guiding the participant through the movement (10,23,25). Safety precautions, such as eliminating trip hazards, providing proper supervision, and carefully selecting exercise interventions appropriate to the client's exercise abilities, also are warranted (10,17,23,25).…”