The Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive development of a series of movement disorders that have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients – particularly: generalized slowness of movement, balance problems, and walking difficulties.
Although, to date, there is still no cure capable of stopping the progression of the disease, doctors and rehabilitation specialists recommend a healthy and active lifestyle for patients (in conjunction with traditional pharmacological therapies) to improve the management of specific symptoms.
The Benefits of Physical Activity on Parkinson’s Symptoms
If performed consistently, physical activity can provide surprising benefits, as demonstrated by recent scientific studies and the growing interest of doctors and therapists in organizing initiatives to encourage patients to lead a more active lifestyle.
Physical activity is important for Parkinson’s patients, as emphasized by Dr. Alfredo Berardelli, President of the LIMPE Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Onlus and neurologist at the Sapienza University of Rome:
“In the early stages of the disease, those who already engaged in sports are encouraged to continue doing so. In the advanced stage, specific rehabilitation that addresses walking and balance is necessary.”
But What Are the Recommended Activities to Counteract Common Motor Symptoms of the Disease?
In general, any exercise that requires coordination of large and rhythmic movements has proven effective in combating stiffness, one of the first motor symptoms to appear in the development of the disease. Therefore, activities such as dance, gentle gymnastics, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates are highly recommended. All of these sports not only strengthen muscles and improve coordination but also have a positive impact on balance and stability, making patients feel more secure in their daily movements, even outside the gym.
To improve endurance and keep the heart in shape, patients can also incorporate aerobic exercise into their training plan, of course, after assessing their individual motor abilities. Among the many aerobic activities that can be safely performed in old age are running, swimming, tennis, and long walks with friends, especially in the nice weather. An increasing number of studies demonstrate the tremendous benefits that regular aerobic activity can have on brain structure, metabolism, and cognitive functions, both in elderly individuals and in patients with neurodegenerative conditions.
Lastly, it is important to diversify the activities by introducing new exercises that stimulate the patient’s cognitive abilities. Those with Parkinson’s disease are well aware of the challenges the condition presents when transitioning between tasks or performing two activities simultaneously (a technical exercise known as dual tasking). In such cases, sports and movement can help keep the brain in shape, positively affecting the patient’s quality of life.
- Matura, S., Fleckenstein, J., Deichmann, R. et al., Transl Psychiatry 7, e1172 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2017.135
- Ahlskog JE., Neurology. 2011;77(3):288-294. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0b013e318225ab66
- Cammisuli, Davide Maria et al., Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 380. 5 May. 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9050380
Based on this, the sports most recommended for those with Parkinson’s disease are as follows:
- Walking outdoors or in a shopping center
- Dancing
- Yoga classes
- Tai Chi classes
- Obstacle jumping
- Marching to music with large arm swings
- Ping Pong
- Golf
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Aerobics classes
- Treadmill walking with speed and incline variations
- Hiking with walking sticks
- Swimming with different styles, with eyes open and closed, not only tests motor learning but also increases heart rate and provides good cardiopulmonary conditioning.
Are There Sports to Avoid When You Have Parkinson’s?
Experts argue that, although there are no sports that should be avoided by patients with Parkinson’s disease, some activities should be approached with more caution than usual to be truly effective in countering the specific symptoms of the condition.
For instance, stationary cycling is not recommended as an exercise for Parkinson’s patients due to its repetitive mechanical movement. However, adding another activity (such as watching a movie or reading or doing crossword puzzles) can increase the challenge for the patient and turn it into an excellent opportunity to improve dual-tasking abilities.
Similarly, the treadmill, with its monotonous movement, does not offer the patient any opportunity to improve balance and stability, despite requiring a great deal of strength and energy. Rather than a long treadmill session at the gym, a short run or a medium-length walk outdoors is recommended, where the foot is continually challenged by uneven terrain, and cognitive abilities are kept active by countless unpredictable elements. In the colder season, when going outside might be challenging for the patient, the treadmill can still be used, varying speed and incline frequently during the workout.
The Gondola AMPS Therapy as Support for a More Active Lifestyle
Clinical studies* show that Gondola® AMPS directly affects some of the most frequently associated motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, improving step quality and balance starting from the first session.
Greater stability and mobility are two key factors that provide concrete support to the patient, allowing them to complement their therapeutic plan with the inclusion of sports activities like those mentioned earlier, which not only serve as excellent exercise for the body but also represent a break from the daily routine.
Moving safely, exercising regularly through a variety of stimulating activities, is the secret to improving one’s physical health without ever getting tired, a self-sustaining cycle that undoubtedly translates into a significant benefit for the patient’s quality of life.
If you’re interested in learning more about AMPS therapy and the benefits it can provide to your walking after just a single session, you can contact us at +41 91 921 3838. You can also email us at info@gondola-medical.com or fill out the form below.
