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FAQs
What are the potential risks of exercise ?
Like any treatment , exercise has possible benefits and risks . For most , the benefits far outweigh the risks . But risks could include injury , pain or falls . Limit your risk by talking with your doctor and exercise professional before starting or increasing activity , especially if you have heart , lung or other medical conditions . And be extra careful if you have symptoms like low blood pressure , fatigue , imbalance or involuntary movement ( dyskinesia ) that could cause unsteadiness or falls . You may , for example , want to avoid using the treadmill on your own if you have balance problems . Or you may want to do mainly seated exercises if you have low blood pressure . Everyone should avoid multiple days in a row of the same exercise , especially strength or weight workouts , as this can increase risk of muscle , tendon or joint injuries .
Can exercise really improve balance and walking ?
Yes ! There is a large body of evidence that exercise — namely physical therapy focused on balance and gait training — can improve these symptoms , particularly for people in early to mid stages of PD . Improvement requires a certain intensity and duration , so it ’ s best to consult with a physical therapist .
Is there a point when I should stop exercising ?
Exercise remains beneficial throughout Parkinson ’ s . But as you and PD change , your exercise program and goals must evolve , too . With a little creativity and adjustment , there are ways to continue doing the things you love .
If you love biking but develop balance problems , for example , a four-wheeled , hand , recumbent or stationary bike might be better than a two-wheeled one . If you have pain or joint problems , you may need to back off , take a break or switch activities — less running , more swimming , for example .
If you wonder if you should stop exercising , talk to a physical or occupational therapist . They can help modify your routine and connect you with the right equipment and resources .
Fun Exercise May Be Easier to Maintain
Van der Kolk , et al ., The Lancet Neurology , 2018
In this study , people with PD were randomly assigned to either aerobic exercise done on a stationary bike at home or stretching . The aerobic exercise was enhanced with virtual reality software and real-life videos . ( This is known as “ exergaming .”) The study provided preliminary evidence that aerobic exercise lessens motor symptoms and improves heart and lung ( cardiovascular ) fitness . There was also good compliance with the exercise program , which is important for sustained benefits .