Exercise in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic neurological disorder that impacts mobility and quality of life for millions of people. While pharmacological treatments such as levodopa can alleviate motor symptoms, their effectiveness diminishes over time. In this context, exercise emerges as a safe and effective intervention, offering benefits that extend beyond symptom management and may even slow the progression of the disease.

Numerous studies have confirmed that exercise is safe for people with PD, with a low incidence of mild adverse events such as transient joint discomfort. Dropout rates in exercise programs are comparable to control groups, demonstrating their feasibility. Trak Active, a telerehabilitation platform, facilitates the implementation of personalized exercise programs for PD patients, ensuring they can safely engage in physical activity from home.

Prospective studies have found that high levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of developing PD due to improved brain health and reduced chronic inflammation. Tools like Trak Active enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ activity levels, promoting prevention through exercise.

Moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise has been shown to stabilize motor symptoms in the early stages of PD. Additionally, supervised exercise programs have demonstrated improvements in neuronal plasticity and brain connectivity. Trak Active allows for the design and supervision of these programs to maximize benefits and encourage long-term adherence.

Various exercise modalities, such as strength training, tai chi, and dance, improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in people with PD. Benefits include better postural stability, reduced bradykinesia, and improvements in mood and sleep quality. Personalizing exercise programs through Trak Active ensures patients receive interventions tailored to their specific needs.

Exercise promotes neuroprotection by increasing levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF, essential for neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. It also enhances dopamine release and transport while reducing brain inflammation and atrophy in key areas affected by PD. Through telerehabilitation, Trak Active helps maximize these benefits with programs designed to stimulate these biological pathways.

Despite growing evidence, challenges remain in implementing exercise as a standard treatment for PD. More studies are needed to evaluate the impact of different exercise modalities and strategies to improve adherence. Integrating platforms like Trak Active into clinical management can be key to overcoming these challenges, facilitating a multidisciplinary and personalized approach.

Exercise is an essential intervention in managing PD, offering benefits across multiple health domains. Tools like Trak Active empower physiotherapists to implement effective and accessible programs that improve their patients’ quality of life. Incorporating exercise from the early stages of PD can significantly influence the disease’s progression.

What type of exercise is best for PD?

Activities such as tai chi, strength training, and aerobic exercise have proven highly effective. The choice depends on the patient’s physical condition and specific needs.

How much exercise is recommended?

At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, combined with 2-3 sessions of strength training, is suggested.

Can exercise replace medication?

No, exercise complements but does not replace medication. Both should be part of a comprehensive plan supervised by a physician.

Is it safe to exercise without supervision?

It is important for exercise to be initially supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and proper execution.