Parkinson's Active
We've launched Parkinson's Active, a 3 year project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund to develop a Parkinson's exercise network in Scotland.
There's no cure for Parkinson’s. However, there is growing evidence that structured exercise may slow its progress.
Regular structured exercise can help manage symptoms, improve your mood and make everyday movements a little easier.
So we've launched Parkinson's Active, the first Parkinson’s Scotland exercise network. From local exercise opportunities for people with Parkinson’s, to inspiration, to resources for professionals. We've got everything you need.
To hear more about how the programme has helped people with Parkinson's in Perth thanks to our partners at Live Active and NHS Tayside Parkinsons Nurse and Physiotherapy Team please click here.
Local exercise opportunities
Parkinson’s Active is currently working in partnership with Leisure Trusts across Scotland to deliver exercise classes online and in-person, specifically for people with Parkinson’s. We're working with:
Use our look-up tool to find activities near you.
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How people with Parkinson's in Scotland are keeping active
Dee was slowing down due to stiffness before and during the coronavirus lockdown. Thanks to exercise and the right medication, she's feeling fit and healthy:
"I use Reach Your Peak Online, an online exercise programme specifically for people with Parkinson’s. It delivers weekly exercise into a schedule that I control. Exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson’s and I know I am getting a good dose.
"But it’s more than online exercise. I get all the help and advice I need from Sally and Maria who are physiotherapists specialising in Parkinson’s. I also get to connect with a Parkinson’s community from all over the UK and Europe.
“I enjoy walking and cycling. When we’re not in lockdown, I enjoy playing badminton and basketball with my sister. I do weekly live Zumba. I also attend a mixed ability weekly exercise class hosted by the Parkinson's Deeside Support Group. I find these classes really beneficial socially as well as physically."
Andy was active his whole life, playing cricket, golfing and cycling. In 2015 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's:
"I instantly thought that my diagnosis would mean a hasty end to the sporty lifestyle I’d always known and I’d never again experience the thrill of doing well or winning again. I couldn't have been more wrong.
"My advice to anyone with Parkinson's who has been involved in sport or general exercise, or who wants to try it for the first time, would be to give it a go.
"You’d almost certainly be surprised at what you can do. Don’t make the same mistakes I did in thinking you won't be able to participate in the same way as anyone else.
"Sport and exercise is for everyone, including people with Parkinson's."
Exercising with Parkinson's
One of the biggest challenges to exercise is knowing where to start, what type of activity is best, where you can access it.
We've put together some resources and guidance, so that you can find the right exercise and support for you, whatever your ability.
Support for activity providers and health professionals
In Scotland, we want activity providers and health professionals to feel confident in supporting people with Parkinson's. We have a number of resources to help:
- Join the Parkinson’s Physical Activity Scotland Network to keep up to date with workshops and guidance.
- Sign up to the Exercise Considerations for Parkinson’s workshop. It's aimed at exercise instructors experienced with long-term conditions. It will help them deliver Parkinson's specific classes as part of a wellbeing programme, such as those delivered by a local leisure trust, local authority or community organisation.
- Find out about our Parkinson's: Physical Activity & Exercise Module below.
For more information on both of these resources, email [email protected]
The module is aimed at anyone promoting or providing physical activity and will focus on:
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what Parkinson’s is
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why it’s important to be active with Parkinson's.
Be part of a UK network of experts and practitioners supporting people with Parkinson's to exercise.
Developed by experts, our exercise framework provides key messages for professionals to support people with Parkinson's.