Despite the advancing possibilities in the medical world, a cure for Parkinson’s has not yet been found. Treatment focuses on suppressing the symptoms through the application of dopamine or deep brain stimulation. Recent research has also shown the positive effects of exercise on both the symptoms and the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Beneficial effects of exercise
It is well-known that physical activity is beneficial for both the mental and physical health of human beings. These health benefits are also observed in Parkinson’s patients who engage in exercise. Motor degradation in gait pattern, balance, and mobility can be reduced and even improved through exercise, which contributes to the quality of life of Parkinson’s patients.
In addition to the regular benefits of exercise, it has been shown that physical activity can influence the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Through exercise, the death of essential brain cells is significantly delayed, and compensatory motor pathways are created that allow patients to maintain their mobility for a longer time.
Cues effect on activity
To engage in this beneficial activity, Parkinson’s patients face certain challenges, such as the occurrence of freezing, which disrupts the automatic gait pattern. However, when external cues are applied, freezing can be broken, and movement can be continued. Recent research has shown that Parkinson’s patients who follow therapy with cues are more active. The increased level of physical activity led to improvements in mental health, contributing to an improved quality of life.
Parkinson’s patients can optimally benefit from the above-mentioned advantages by walking with a rollator that incorporates cues, such as the Rollz Motion Rhythm.
Key notes:
- Physical activity is beneficial for the overall mobility in able-bodied and Parkinson’s patients.
- The progress of Parkinson’s disease can be influenced by physical activity.
- Application of cues improves the level of activity.
Reference:
- Zhen K, Zhang S, Tao X, Li G, Lv Y, Yu L. (2022) A systematic review and meta-analysis on effects of aerobic exercise in people with Parkinson’s disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis., 8(1):146.
- Almikhlafi MA. (2023) The role of exercise in Parkinson’s Disease. Neurosciences (Riyadh), 28(1):4-12.
- Forte R, Tocci N, De Vito G. (2021) The Impact of Exercise Intervention with Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation to Improve Gait and Mobility in Parkinson Disease: An Umbrella Review. Brain Sci., 11(6):685
- van Wegen E, de Goede C, Lim I, et al. (2006) The effect of rhythmic somatosensory cueing on gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Neurol Sci., 248(1/2):210–214.
- Frazzitta, Giuseppe MD; Balbi, Pietro MD; Maestri, Roberto MS; Bertotti, Gabriella PT; Boveri, Natalia PT; Pezzoli, Gianni MD. (2013) The Beneficial Role of Intensive Exercise on Parkinson Disease Progression. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 92(6):p 523-532.