Live Well with Parkinson’s Project
Why is exercise so good for people with Parkinson’s?
Julie Jones is a senior lecturer in physiotherapy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
There is much evidence that engaging in regular exercise has numerous benefits for Parkinson’s management – not solely as complementary to medication, but of equal importance. While science seeks to develop a cure to the condition, there has been a recognition of the potential value of exercise in the management of Parkinson’s. Recent reviews into Parkinson’s treatment indicate that participation in regular exercise correlates with improved symptoms, such as improvements in strength, balance, fitness, function, and walking, as well as reducing depression and fatigue.
Julie will also discuss the emerging evidence suggesting that engaging in regular high-intensity exercise brings about physiological changes within the brain, creating new neural pathways and blood vessels that may have a disease modifying effect. She will talk about her research into exercise being a key ingredient and integral component of Parkinson’s management – not solely as complementary to medication, but of equal importance.