Parkinson’s disease: a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs motor skills, speech, loss of automatic movements such as blinking, and may lead to dementia in the later stages. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.
Initiating movement may be one of the most difficult task to accomplish and can be very time consuming. Some feel like they are “stuck” to the ground or there is a magnet pulling them to the floor making walking difficult resulting in a shuffling gait.
Ways to help initiate movement
Moving to the beat of the music helps with continuous walking or place an object to step over like a broom stick to initiate walking. Studies are still being conducted with the correlation of music and Parkinson’s disease. I have tried both methods with my patients and works great. I also use counting or snapping a beat to keep them moving.
Posture
Stretching is important to increase upright posture along with strengthening. Usually the hamstrings, hip flexors,calves, abdominals, and pectorals are tight and should be stretched on a daily basis. Strengthening the extensor group muscles along with the shoulder girdle is going to be ideal to increase endurance to maintain an upright posture.
Knowing what is around you is crucial to avoid falling. Look out for steps, rugs, furniture, and any object obstructing your way. Make sure to pick up your toes when walking to avoid tripping on your feet!
Be on a daily fitness program
Either provided by your physical therapist as a home exercise program or local gym, it is important to stay on a daily fitness program. Afraid to fall? There are many programs out there that provide seated exercises targeting people with Parkinson’s disease. Can’t find a facility close to home? Is transportation a problem? The list below includes chair exercise DVDs that can be performed in the convenience of your own home.
If your doctor clears you there is also aquatic therapy classes so you don’t have to worry about falling while exercises. Make sure the facility provides assistance if needed to get in and out of the pool.
Aerobic Exercise
An aerobic exercise is a great way to increase your endurance by strengthening your heart and lungs by walking, biking, and swimming for 10-30 minutes.
Energy Conservation Techniques
Ways to conserve energy is practicing daily activities such as ambulating with an assistive device correctly. I see so many times when patients use a cane on the wrong side and not adjusted correctly to their height. Your therapist will help you determine all aspects of correct use of an assistive device. Another mistake people do is lean over on the rolling walker! Again another problem is the usage and adjustment of an assistive device along with receiving proper gait training.
Transfer training will also help conserve energy. Examples of this would be getting in and out of bed or a sit to stand transfer. If not done correctly it may take a few tries and before you know it your out of breath, your back hurts, your knees are strained and you are out of energy.
A physical therapist can educate and train you to conserve energy with treatment. You may not be able to do this independently depending on your status but with some ease. Maybe your caregiver, family member, or significant other is taking care of you. It is important to save their back too. Caregiver education is crucial for proper body mechanics to avoid injury on both parties. It would be very difficult for both of you to move around if you are both hurting.
Indication for Physical Therapy
- Balance problems
- Shuffling Gait Pattern
- Incoordination
- Immobility
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle Weakness
Benefits of Exercise
- Improve coordination
- Improve bowel and bladder movement
- Increase range of motion
- Energy conservation techniques
- Maintain or Improve posture
- Increase safety Awareness
- Increase strength and endurance
Additional Resources
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
An organization that focuses on research, patient support, education and raising public awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
This site provides description of exercise program, healthy eating and support system
