Research has also proven the benefits of exercise, even in the short term, specifically for people living with Parkinson's disease. The list of benefits that scientists have discovered includes improved:
- Motor performance
- Trunk rotation
- Hand-eye coordination
- Stability and balance while walking
- Non-motor symptoms
- Muscle volume and strength
Perhaps one of the most compelling studies about the benefits of exercise came from researchers at Osaka Medical School in Japan. Research nurses visited 438 patients for an average of four years. During that time, 71 of the patients died. They found that patients who did not exercise were about 80 percent more likely to die.
It is probable that exercise increased the health of the study patients and contributed to their longer lives. Likewise, if the rest of your body is relatively healthy, you will benefit from that overall health in your battle with Parkinson's disease.
Reasonable Ideas about Exercise in Parkinson's
The benefits of exercise usually far outweigh the potential side effects. Nevertheless, there are some facts that you should know about exercise, and some risks you should be aware of.
- Research has not proven that exercise slows down Parkinson’s. People living with Parkinson's disease report improving their physical and emotional health through physical activity. However, we cannot report that exercise will miraculously protect precious brain cells.
- Benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s may be somewhat short-lived. Most of the studies exploring the effect of exercise on people with Parkinson's disease have only followed patients for a few months. There is limited information about long-term benefits.
- Some people develop unwelcome conditions and injuries from exercise including sprains, arthritis, and heel spurs just to mention a few. Work with medical professionals to identify safe and effective exercises.
- Exercise can be expensive, but it does not have to be. You can pay a premium for gyms, trainers, and equipment. However, there are many ways to exercise such as walking, or participating in activities at community centers, that are less expensive.
- Exercise is hard work, especially if you are not used to it. Some people may need to start with short and easy activities, and build strength gradually.
- There is not yet definitive proof that exercise improves depression or reduces falling.
Making Life Better
You do not need the validation of a scientist that life with Parkinson's disease is extremely challenging, and often discouraging. Because of the overwhelming evidence of the benefits of exercise, we want to encourage our readers who do not currently exercise to find activities they can safely enjoy. Your activities will be a source of strength.
People who exercise sharpen their mental and physical abilities. Working out with Parkinson’s can be an exercise for the mind as well as for the muscles. The eventual benefits may include improved independence and quality of life.
Souces:
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, October 1998
Clinical Rehabilitation, December 2005
Movement Disorders, April 2006
Movement Disorders, September 2006
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, July 1992
Movement Disorders, January 2008
