The benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson's
A regular exercise routine can help you maintain your
abilities, strengthen your muscles, increase mobility in your
joints and build up your general fitness and health.
Using the Wii is brilliant. My fitness and co-ordination have definitely improved.
Tina Walker, Chair of our Younger Parkinson's Network
Making exercise part of your regular routine provides a sense of
achievement and can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.
Research on Parkinson's and exercise
Recent research has shown that exercise seems to protect the
dopamine-producing nerve cells that are
lost in Parkinson's, helping them work better and survive for
longer.
This could potentially slow down the progression of Parkinson's – something no
current treatment can do.
Our free Keeping Moving - Exercise and
Parkinson's booklet and DVD provides an easy to follow exercise
programme for people with Parkinson's.
Our Keeping Moving information sheet
is for physiotherapists and other health and social care
professionals. It explains the rationale behind the exercise
programme.
Read more about research into exercise and Parkinson's:
Nintendo Wii and Parkinson's
There
is growing evidence that Parkinson's symptoms could be controlled
by using the Nintendo Wii games console.
The Nintendo Wii allows you to exercise at home. You can choose
from many different activities that provide a workout for different
parts of the body.
Read the guidelines for using the Wii
Fit before you get started.
Read our Parkinson's and the Wii
page to find out more.
Complementary therapies and Parkinson's
Researchers are also looking at different types of exercise,
including tai chi, tango dancing, gym training and
hydrotherapy.
Take a look at our Complementary
therapies and Parkinson's booklet to see if other therapies may
be suitable for you.
Also in this section
Share your experiences of living with Parkinson's
Our online
discussion forum is for people with Parkinson's, their carers,
family and friends to chat and share experiences.
Everyone affected by Parkinson's is welcome to join.
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