Parkinson's disease is a central nervous disorder with symptoms including resting tremor, movement slowness, muscle rigidity/stiffness, and balance problems. Other possible symptoms include cramped handwriting, decreased facial expression, decreased voice volume/hoarseness, stooped posture, decreased arm swing on the affected side, and changes in gait. The disease affects close to 2 million persons in the United States. Though incidence is higher in the over-50 age group, there has been an increase in the number of persons younger than 50 with the disorder.
The potential benefits of exercise for person with Parkinson's disease include:
- Maintain and increase endurance
- Balance improvement
- Decreased stress
- Elevated mood
- Prevention of osteoporosis
- Control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol
This video-enabled factsheet provides exercises appropriate for persons with Parkinson's disease. The video-clips show participants from the Integrated Exercise for Parkinson's class from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). This program is specifically designed to help benefit persons diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and teach them to use exercise for symptom management. This class provides a safe environment for participants to work on ambulation, range of motion and strengthening exercise with an emphasis on postural awareness, breathing, balance, and rhythmical movement.
The following video-clips constitute the warm-up session which is an important component of any exercise routine. The warm-up typically consists of approximately five minutes of light aerobic activity and stretching. The muscles get warmed up due to an increase in temperature and blood flow.
Disclaimer:
Please consult your physician before starting any fitness program. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. Any medical decisions should be made in consultation with your physician. We will not be liable for any complications, injuries, loss or other medical problems arising from or in connection with the use of this video or the reliance upon any information provided in the video.
Exercise Program for Persons with Parkinson's Disease: Warm-Up Session
SET 1
SET 2
SET 3
SET 4
SET 5
SET 6
SET 7