Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, balance, and daily life. While there is currently no cure, there is an accessible, side-effect-free, evidence-backed tool that can make a real difference: physical exercise.
What Happens to the Body with Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the neurons that produce dopamine — a key neurotransmitter for movement control — progressively deteriorate and die. This causes motor symptoms such as resting tremor, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and postural instability, alongside non-motor symptoms including fatigue, sleep disturbances and depression.
How Does Exercise Work on Parkinson’s?
Research in recent years has demonstrated that high-intensity aerobic exercise — particularly the kind that sustains an elevated heart rate — has neuroprotective effects. This means it doesn’t just improve existing symptoms; it may actually slow the progression of the disease.
A landmark study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease showed that patients who engaged in high-intensity aerobic exercise (such as stationary cycling at a vigorous pace) demonstrated significantly greater improvements in motor function compared to those with low-intensity activity. Exercise also stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which protects and promotes neuronal survival.
What Types of Exercise Are Most Beneficial?
- Moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise: brisk walking, cycling, swimming. Improves bradykinesia, gait and mood.
- Amplitude-based movement training (LSVT BIG): a Parkinson’s-specific programme working with large, exaggerated movements to counteract the tendency towards increasingly small motion.
- Strength training: improves muscle rigidity and postural stability, reducing fall risk.
- Tai Chi and balance exercises: highly recommended for their positive effect on balance and coordination, with strong evidence for fall prevention in people with Parkinson’s.
- Tango and dance therapy: studies have shown that dance improves balance, gait and quality of life, while also providing significant social and motivational benefits.
Is Exercise Safe at Every Stage of the Disease?
With the right supervision, yes. It is essential to adapt the type, intensity and duration of exercise to the stage of the disease and to each person’s real capabilities. In more advanced stages, work may focus on maintaining mobility, preventing falls and preserving independence in activities of daily living.
At Rehabot we design individualised programmes for every stage of Parkinson’s, always with the goal of keeping the person active, independent and with the best possible quality of life.
Do you have a family member with Parkinson’s and don’t know where to begin? Contact us for a free initial assessment. We are based on the Costa del Sol and also offer home visits.