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<\/a>I have been a certified personal trainer for 15 years. Before I began a career in fitness, I worked in healthcare in Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. I have seen what exercise can do for a person and what the lack of exercise results in. As a personal trainer, I specialize in working with individuals with chronic conditions and older adults. My clients range from post-physical rehabilitation, to post-stroke, cardiac rehab, diabetes, MS, and Parkinson\u2019s disease. A few years ago I began to read studies about the benefits of exercise for individuals with Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD). Since my dad died from complications due to PD, I was very interested in pursuing more information. I became certified as a Delay the Disease Exercise for Parkinson\u2019s instructor, started a local class, and later took over another area class after the instructor moved out of state.<\/p>\nNow, it seems as if you line up ten physicians, including neurologists, and ask them if exercise is beneficial for Parkinson\u2019s Disease, you will likely get ten different answers. Many have done their own research and while they may say they do not have scientific evidence on exercise and PD, I haven\u2019t heard anyone recommend NOT to exercise. The debate seems to be over if exercise can change the brain which would make an impact on Parkinson\u2019s Disease symptoms.<\/p>\n
The good news is that the brain is actually changing, compensating for the loss of dopamine neurons. Scientists use the term neuroplasticity to refer to a neuron\u2019s ability to change and compensate. The belief is that exercise may contribute to neuroplasticity by helping the brain to maintain old connections, form new ones, and restore lost ones. This is referred to as \u201cexercise-dependent neuroplasticity\u201d. Multiple research studies, including one done by Giselle M. Petzinger, M.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Division at USC, show intense, specific and complex exercise improves walking and other motor skills in people with Parkinson\u2019s.(2)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/a>According to the Parkinson\u2019s Disease Foundation, neurons (brain cells) that produce the chemical transmitter dopamine are damaged and lost in Parkinson\u2019s. There is a lag between the time when the loss of neurons begins and the time when Parkinson\u2019s motor symptoms, such as tremors or slowness of movement begin to show. It is estimated that by the time most people are diagnosed, nearly 80 percent of their dopamine neurons are gone.(1)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/a>I am not a neurologist or a physician, nor do I claim to have the knowledge they have. I have not spent hours doing research on the brain. However, I do know what many of my participants and clients with Parkinson\u2019s disease have experienced from exercise. Many have seen their balance improved, their gait has improved, their range of motion and flexibility has improved, and their ability to get up out of a chair has improved. Just as important, I see improvements in their mood, confidence, anxiety levels, and their outlook on life. \u00a0You see, there is no cure for Parkinson\u2019s disease. Some, like my dad, hear that and they sit in a chair and wait to die. However, many, many more want to fight as long as they possibly can. They want to stay active and be able to complete their activities of daily living.<\/p>\n