Everybody
tells you that you need to exercise when you have PD. But which exercise is effective, and who has
a class near me?
In
terms of effectiveness, there was just
a
clinical trial on exercise published December 2017! Splitting newly diagnosed PWP (People With Parkinson's) who were not
taking any meds into three groups, they found measurable reduction in
progression of PD symptoms in the group that participated in vigorous exercise
(in this case on a treadmill), there was less improvement in the moderate exercise
group, and none in the no-exercise group. Now, researchers are saying they need to see
which
type of exercise is better, if
there is one that stands out.
Meanwhile,
back at the ranch, what should you do?
Check with your doctor (in fact, many programs need a doctor’s
signature), then look into programs like the following. What’s available locally varies enormously
but there are often choices. (Hint: you
don’t have to choose just one.)
Rock Steady Boxing
(my personal favorite – so much fun, and has definitely improved some of my
symptoms). This is non-contact boxing – you don’t hit
anyone – but you will work your body and mind vigorously, challenge yourself,
and be challenged by the coaches, volunteers, and other PWP – all of them a
special group of people. The camaraderie
and support are amazing. I go without
fail three times a week – and it is the best part of my week. Select your state, or international location,
and see if there is a program near you.
https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/find-a-class/
Delay the Disease. I do this program at the local Y. It’s not as vigorous as boxing, but is good
for balance, mobility, and stretching, all of which are important with PD. Another collegial group, a place for questions, and definitely a place
where people will understand you. To
find a local program, click on
http://www.delaythedisease.com/for-people-with-parkinsons/dtd-exercise-classes/ and enter your zip code in the search bar, or
phone 614-566-1189.
..
The APDA (American Parkinson’s Disease Association) has
information about many exercise programs in states where they’re located. Go to
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/
Enter your zipcode or state. You’ll see
something like this:
Then click on Resources and Support, and then on Exercise
Groups to get a list:
If you Google for classes in your state, you may find
classes at medical centers, and possibly local PD-specific exercise like
https://www.beatpdtoday.com/ . Use the format
Parkinson’s exercise statename
like:
How does free fitness classes sound? With the Silver Sneakers program, for people
65 and up, you can check your eligibility right on their website:
https://www.silversneakers.com/ Then you can find fitness centers/gyms that
participate. I attended a terrific
series of classes while visiting family – they focused on balance,
coordination, cardio, and besides the coaches, had volunteers helping, and gave
me helpful suggestions and a chair to hold onto. Some gyms have special programs for seniors
already, but because of the extra training involved for coaches, special PD
programs may still cost something.
A phone call to the local senior center can help you
discover classes at the senior center, and also gym programs locally. I know you’re cringing if you have Young
Onset PD, but the person on the other end of the call doesn’t know how old you
are, and seniors have a lot of contacts.
Try your local library, too.
You can also call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at
toll-free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). Their Spanish
Helpline is at the same number.
There are a lot of
choices, so what to do? Besides talking about exercise options with their doctor (don't skip this step), a lot of PWP
find exercise programs in their area. Then
they watch a class (or classes), talk to the coaches and participants. They may also have a
chance to participate in a class.
Often,
a doctor’s signature is needed for participation in a PD exercise program, but that doesn’t have to mean
waiting for your next appointment. When I needed my doctor’s okay, I didn’t
wait for an appointment, I phoned the office to find out the procedure there, then mailed the form to the
doctor with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
And my neurologist sent it back fast knowing how vital exercise
is.
You might find a class that caters to a general audience
(Tai Chi or Yoga, for example), not to PWP, so you need to discuss it with the
teacher, be aware of your own limitations, and don’t do something if it
hurts. Check with your doctor, too.
If you can’t go to a
class, or prefer not to, you can still exercise at home (though you might
want a family member or friend to spot you).
Check with your doctor, who is thinking of you avoiding injury, but who
also may suggest a good resource.
Books/DVDs, streaming classes, exercise programs designed
for PWP include:
Physical Therapy is another great source for very
individualized exercise, but that’s a topic for another article.
