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Exercise Summary

You are encouraged to exercise more. Exercising more often can prevent the development of Parkinson's. Once you have Parkinson's, exercise remains the watchword. Numerous short-term studies have shown that exercise, like medicine, relieves symptoms. Parkinson's can make exercise increasingly difficult, but giving up/inactivity/banking is not an option.

People with Parkinson's appear to exercise 1/3 less than others without Parkinson's. And even those without Parkinson's are already not that active. Those with Parkinson's face two problems: first, they are fighting an ever worsening disease that can disable even an Olympic athlete. In other words, the symptoms can make sports increasingly difficult. Second, this process of physical deterioration can accelerate if they simply give up and stop training their bodies.

When dopamine becomes scarce within the control center in the brain, we can no longer perform movements as if by themselves, think thoughtlessly or feel spontaneously happy. Autopilot becomes damaged in moving, feeling and thinking. In moving, we are talking about basic things like getting up, getting dressed, swinging arms while walking, grabbing a glass of drink, sitting down, swallowing, taking a deep breath, etc.

This faltering or freezing occurs not from one spot in the brain, but from an entire circuit. Ommings or provoked movements use places in the brain that do work, allowing movement and thinking to still be controlled. A different route in the brain is literally taken. If we have a goal at home that requires us to move it is a double task and difficult. Moving for a sport is easier. If we have a sport that gets you actively thinking in addition to moving, then this is extremely effective as a workout.

Opinion

Three to five hours of intense exercise a week that will make you sweat profusely, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.