Exercise program for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder affecting the brain centers that are responsible for control and regulation of movement. It is characterized by slowness of movement or impaired movement, tremor, muscle weakness and muscle stiffness or rigidity. These symptoms can be overcome only when the muscle or the affected part is continuously exercised.

The main goal of "exercises" in Parkinson's disease is

* To improve mobility.
* To attain independence in activities of daily living.
* To develop a positive coping mechanism.

All three goals can be achieved and maintained when through exercise programs. Exercises for Parkinson's disease are started slowly, and the frequency and amount of time needed for work out is increased everyday. In this way, the person is not tired or exhausted, but will show more interest and see improvement everyday. A progressive program of daily exercise will increase muscle strength, improve coordination, reduce muscle rigidity, and prevent contractures that occurs when muscles are not put in use.

There are different exercises that helps to achieve different goals. For example, walking, riding a stationary bike, swimming, and gardening are all the exercises that helps to improve joint mobility. Stretching exercises (stretch-hold-relax) help loosen the joint structures. Postural exercises are important to counter the tendency of the head and the neck to be drawn forward and down. There is a special walking technique that should be learnt to offset the shuffling gait and the tendency to lean forward.

WALKING TECHNIQUE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE:

Arm swing is the main thing for a normal walking. People affected with Parkinson's disease will have problem in balancing their body while in motion because of the rigidity of the arms. The first and foremost exercise that should be learnt when a person is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is walking exercise. There are three things that are expected to be kept in mind while walking. They are keeping an erect body posture, watching the horizon, and using a wide based gait (walking with feet seperated).

They are also taught to concentrate to swing the arms and raise the feet. Heel-toe is the technique used for walking, since it helps in taking longer strides. They are instructed to do this walking exercise with marching music because this provides sensory reinforcement.

Breathing exercises is advised simultaneously with the walking exercise. Deep breathing exercises helps in relaxing, thereby prevents frustration and fatigue. Doing the activities of daily living like bathing, combing not only meets self care but also gives a sense of self esteem.

Tying a rope on the foot end of the bed and getting up by holding on to the rope is also an exercise that can be done several times a day. Persons with Parkinson's disease find it difficult to get in and out of the bed. This exercise will provide assistance in pulling oneself out of the bed or turn position as well as keep the muscles active.

Nextly, the exercises are concentrated to meet the nutritional and eliminational needs on their own. Those with Parkinsonism have poor hand coordination in taking the food to the mouth as well as difficulty in chewing and swallowing. They are made to exercise their hand in a fashion that they take the food to the mouth without dropping. They are also taught to exercise the tongue in such a way they chew and swallow food consciously which prevents them from aspiration and subsequent complications like pneumonia.

The steps in exercise involves taking the food to the mouth, placing the food on the tongue, close the lips and teeth, lift the tongue up and then back and finally swallow. They are encouraged to chew the food on one side of the mouth and then on the other. The bowel elimination is improved when there is enough exercise through walking. There are a number of assistive devices that helps to squat for defecation as well as to exercise the thighs and calves.

There are exercises to improve communication. A speech-language therapist teaches these exercises and help people with Parkinson disease to utter the words slowly and correctly. Speech improvement exercise teach them to speak short sentences clearly by taking a few deep breaths before speaking.

Faithful adherence to the exercise program helps to delay the progress of the disease and keep the person occupied (that other wise can lead to depression). Encouragement and reassurance given by the care giver for every single exercise they do helps to maintain their active participation in them. Exercise in parkinsonism is not just a therapeutic program but also a social and recreational program. Hence, plan an exercise program through out the day and stay active.