Still yet another lengthy quote from J.G. Nutt's PARKINSON'S
DISEASE:100 MAXIMS (1992) p. 105. (I'd better quit before
violating copyright restrictions.)
"EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE DISEASE
Exercise offers many benefits to parkinsonian patients:(1) a
sense of well-being; (2) a feeling of control over the disorder;
(3) an opportunity for pleasurable interaction with others; (4)
improvement of insomnia and constipation; (5) reduction of
medical complications of immobility such as venous thrombosis,
osteoporosis, atelectasis, contractures and decubit; and (6)
improved general health.
The exercise program must be tailored to the patient's disability
and likes and dislikes. The aims of the program should be to
maintain full range of motion and strength, and improve mobility,
coordination and balance. The program should be enjoyable and
safe.
For mild to moderate parkinsonism the exercise program may be
that which is appropriate for otherwise healthy individuals of
similar age. Walking is excellent. Swimming is also good,
although some patients find the synchronization of stroking,
kicking and breathing difficult. Patients who freeze while
walking may do the same while swimming, sometimes putting them at
risk of drowning; adequate supervision of swimming is clearly
necessary. A stationary bicycle is good for patients with
imbalance. The exercises should not involve activities that
would result in serious injury if the patient were to lose
balance. Surprisingly patients often retain well-learned
physical skills despite marked rigidity and bradykinesia. Thus
the Hoehn and Yahr clinical stage 3 and 4 patient may still play
golf, ski, play tennis, dance or play a musical instrument even
though activities of daily living are impaired. Timing of
medications for optimal motor function during exercise is
important for many patients.
At later stages of parkinsonism, the exercise program is best
designed by the physical therapist who can evaluate the patient
and suggest appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises.
National Parkinson's disease organizations also provide excellent
exercise booklets and tapes that are appropriate for more
advanced patients. Although the goals of exercise are more
modest in these patients, exercise helps the patient make full
use of their limited physical capacity and continues to give them
a sense of well-being and control."
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| Sid Roberts [log in to unmask] |
| Youngstown State History Department |
| University Youngstown, OH 44555 |
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