Movement Is Medicine for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a movement disorder caused by a decrease of dopamine in the brain. Typical symptoms may include balance impairments, stiff muscles, a shuffling gait, a stooped posture and frequent falls. Dopamine is required for motor learning, movement initiation, force production and mood regulation, and can be regulated with medication, diet and exercise.
The Parkinson’s Outcomes Project found that people with Parkinson’s who begin exercising early in their diagnosis and maintain at least 2.5 hours of activity per week show a slower decline in quality of life than those who start exercising later. Building exercise habits early is a key part of effective disease management.
A good starting point is participating in the LSVT BIG® program with a certified physical therapist. LSVT, also known as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, was originally a speech therapy program that applies similar principles to train patients Parkinson’s to use bigger movements in their daily lives. This research-based program consists of 16 one-hour sessions over four weeks. These exercises help retrain the brain to move BIG to help with overall mobility, balance and gait, which decreases the risk of falls and improves quality of life.
“We recommend aerobic exercise such as recumbent biking, elliptical or enjoying a brisk walk,” says Lily Jorgensen, P.T., D.P.T., physical therapist at Des Moines University Clinic. “It’s important to find something that you enjoy doing.”
Before starting an exercise program, it’s important to see a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s for a comprehensive functional evaluation and recommendations tailored to you. Jorgensen reminds people that “one person with Parkinson’s disease is one person with Parkinson’s disease,” and each person benefits from a unique exercise routine.
To learn more about LSVT BIG or to incorporate it into your care or that of a loved one, contact DMU Clinic – Physical Therapy for guidance.