Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. It occurs when nerve cells that produce dopamine are destroyed, leaving muscles unable to properly receive movement messages. Regular exercise can improve balance and managing daily activities for those with Parkinson's by restoring lost function and preventing further loss of independence. Beneficial exercises include stretching, strength training, aerobic exercise, aquatic therapy, and range of motion therapy.

1. Parkinson’s Disease and Exercise By: Andrew Miller

2. What is Parkinson’s Disease? Disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and diffuculty with walking, movement, and coordination Usually develops after age 50 Parkinson’s disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine (controls muscle movement) are slowly destroyed

3. What it is Cont’d W/o dopamine, the brain cannot properly send messages to the muscles, thus the loss of muscle control

4. Signs and Tests Tremors, change in muscle tone, problems walking, unsteady posture Difficulty starting or finishing voluntary movements Jerky, stiff movements Muscle atrophy Variation in heart rate

5. Quick video to show signs and symptoms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPI1J56VhV4

6. Medications & Treatment Medications Levodopa Pramipexole Selegiline Amantadine Entacapone Treatment Medications to help increase the amount of dopamine in the brain Exercise, good nutrition, physical therapy, good amounts of rest Surgery is an option also for people with severe Parkinson’s

7. Benefits of Exercise Doctors used motion therapy and physical activity to help patients manage their symptoms Research has shown that people with Parkinson’s who exercise regularly often see an improvement in balance and managing daily activities Exercise can restore function lost to the disease

8. Benefits Cont’d Exercise can prevent the loss of independence that Parkinson’s takes from individuals living with the disease Exercise can help Parkinson’s patients be able to enjoy daily activities and be able to enjoy life Exercise also helps Parkinson’s patients keep a positive attitude especially since “depression is a common issue for Parkinson’s patients.”

9. Types of Beneficial Exercise Stretching Stretching helps fight the rigidity of the muscles found in Parkinson’s Strength Training Can help fight balance and coordination problems, and can help increase bone strength the reduce fractures or broken bones in cases of falls Aerboic Help Parkinson’s patients to maintain overall health by keeping the heart and lungs strong

10. Types of Exercise Cont’d Aquatic Buoyancy in water helps provide support for weak muscles, allows for Parkinson’s patients to move freely without the risk of falling Aquatic exercise helps promote better range of motion, improve muscle tone, and reduction in stiffness and pain Range of Motion Therapy Helps patients maintain flexibility and mobility Range-of-motion therapy requires patient to move his/her limbs in a full range

11. Sources for More Information http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001762 http://www.everydayhealth.com/parkinsons-disease/exercising-with-parkinsons-disease.aspx