Did You Know? Exercise & Parkinson’s

More than just a component of healthy living, exercise is a powerful treatment to maintain balance, mobility, reduce fall risk, and preserve tasks of daily living. Research indicates that exercise may even slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Exercise has been shown to improve motor symptoms like balance and mobility as well as non-motor symptoms like constipation, strength, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

An increasing body of research indicates that exercise actually changes the plasticity of the brain, creating new pathways and strengthening existing ones. It is safe to say exercise changes the functioning of the brain. 

A study at NYU Langone’s Marlene and Paolo Fresco Institute for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders looked at the impact of exercise on dopamine in brain regions affected by Parkinson’s. It found that dopamine levels increased 30-40% in exercisers vs control, and dopamine levels remained elevated after a week of rest. This study was conducted on mice. 

Researchers asked patients to engage in high-intensity exercises (cycling, treadmills) three times per week for six months. Compared to people who didn’t participate in the exercise program, the active group saw negligible progress in their Parkinson’s symptoms. 

Further research conducted through Yale Medicine looked at high-intensity exercise improving neuron function. They found that “whatever dopamine-producing neurons still exist in Parkinsonian brains seemed to become more viable and healthier – and they produced more dopamine.”

Exercise is conclusively a net-positive for Parkinson’s, but what types of exercise are best? The simple answer is: whatever exercise works for you. Your exercise routine will naturally fluctuate and depends on your overall fitness level. However, some best practices include: 

Aerobic Training: Walking, cycling, swimming, etc. Aim for 30 minutes per day, 3x a week, at a vigorous or moderate pace. At a moderate pace, you should be able to talk but not sing. At a vigorous pace, you should be able to speak a few words before pausing to breathe. 

Strength Training: Handheld weights, weight machines, resistance bands, etc.  Aim for 30 minutes of strength training 2x per week. This improves muscle strength, which tends to decrease over time with Parkinson’s. 

Balance Training: Yoga, tai-chi, boxing, etc. Aim for at least 2x per week to improve balance, posture, and stability. These exercises also protect against falls. 

Stretching: To combat muscle stiffness or rigidity, try to stretch at least two to three times a week, preferably daily. 

Popular Exercise Programs: Rock Steady Boxing, Dancing for Parkinson’s, balance classes, Tai-Chi, and yoga are popular for people with Parkinson’s. 

The most important thing is to exercise safely. Talk to your care team and ask for a routine check-up before starting a new exercise program. Be thoughtful about starting an exercise routine that fits with your overall fitness level and consider starting with a trained physical therapist to build your strength and fitness under the tutelage of a professional. 

It is never too late to start an exercise routine. However, the earlier you start, the better. Additional social benefits may accompany the physical benefits. Stay curious!

Parkinson’s Resource Organization has weekly live virtual exercise classes on Wednesdays at 10:00 am PT or join our inaugural dance class on Saturday, March 8th at 11:30 am PT. Additional recorded exercise classes can be found on YouTube at YouTube.com/@ParkinsonsResourceOrg.