i have been doing exercises recently actually - i bought 2 x 3kg weights and do slow lifts and stretches with them. I have found them to be efficacious.they take about 4 minutes and I do them 3 times a day, plus some leg exercises. at least i feel i am doing something to counter the stiffness etc.

ps i have to agree with polly that it is better to teach people how to exercise at home. my personal preference is for short sessions several times per day rather than long sessions once or twice per week,especially if it is for keeping stiffness at bay.
what i want to know is an aerobic exercise that doesnt involve repetitive movements in the ankles or knees.

I'm in West London and for the last three months I've been going to a Parkinsons exercise class for one hour every week. We exercise to music, first half hour sitting down and then standing (for those that can manage) this is dance based. I feel it does me a lot of good, not least because I really enjoy it. The class is also connected to other PD groups that I attend and I've made lots of friends (we all adjourn to the cafe for a cuppa and a good natter after the class). I've always tried to dance whenever possible at home (very badly, no doubt!) I'm sure it must be good exercise.

Hello Physio84

I have only been dx with PD for 8 wks but from Nov 2011 I was stiff as a plank, could hardly bend and barely manage to walk half a mile. Having always been fit and active I determined to do something about it.

I walked 4 times a week and tried to walk a bit further each time, even if it was only 50m. This was incredibly hard to do but perseverance has paid off and I can manage 9 miles occasionally and average 14 miles a week.

As regards the stiffness I did and still do twisting and bending exercises at home every day ( even if it is just for 5 mins on a bad day ). I started to loosen up slowly but the thing that really sped things up was my partner bought me 10 sessions on our local Toning Tables. I was very sceptical at first but these have worked wonders and along with regular twisting,bending and stretching at home my body is transformed with only occasional muscular stiffness and aches that readily free out.

In addition to this I started a yoga class once a week in March to try and extend my range of movement. I am still doing a 1 hr session every week on the Toning Tables slowly increasing the rate they workout the body.

So far I have not done anything with weights or at a gym.

I hope that these ramblings are of some help to you.

Best of luck

Topsy

Hi Physio84. As a patient I have undergone a course of Physiotherapy at the Rehab Unit, Nottingham City Hospital. I cannot speak highly enough of the knowledgeable, caring staff in his unit which I am sure speaks for itself in the units results. They are a credit to the N.H.S. and I wish all pwp could benefit from similar facilities.

If you would like to E-mail me personally I will give you the contact details.

Hi Physio 84
My husband has pd and had heart stents and so a course of class exercises followed. He too found them difficult to follow. He seemed confused and distracted by the other class members so I was allowed to join in and he followed me and I could also help with them at home. We do a range of exercises now at home and find them very helpful. On a personal level I find it satisfying to be able to do something helpful for my OH.
Good to see a physio so aware of the problems of PDs
Thank you
Hatknitter

Hi i am presently preparing to audit own classes. For outcome measures we have used 180 degree turn, tragus to wall measurement and TUG. Hope this is of some help.

The toning table sounds interesting. Has anyone tried the Power Plate - am thinking about trying.