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| Moonrise over Walupt Lake |
When I recently typed Parkinson's and exercise into the Medscape search engine an impressive list of studies and "scholarly articles" popped up. I scanned the list on my computer screen and virtually everyone of them claimed some sort of positive finding when a consistent exercise regimen is applied to patients with Parkinson's. In view of this large array of positive results it seems that exercise should hold a prominent place in the treatment scheme of many if not all of us who have this disease. Secondly there appears to be some form of exercise for everyone with PD. You can think of nearly any form of exercise and a benefit for PD has probably been found. I will name a few picked out of the articles I pulled up: weight training(resistance), stationary bicycle, treadmill, Tai Chi, dancing, walking and there is probably a lot more.
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| In search of the Cispus Cutthroat |
It was however a bit of a disappointment that A favorite active pastime and healthy exercise of mine did not appear. So I thought: what about fly fishing? What if I get busy and organize a study comparing PD patients who fly fish with those who do not? In light of the other studies that have been conducted I think it very likely that it would be beneficial to PD patients. I could become famous and publish an article called Fly Fishing for Parkinson’s. I might even get a call from Michael J Fox himself inquiring about fly fishing lessons. After all it isn't much of a stretch. Fly fishing is kind of a souped up Tai Chi. Wading the stream would improve balance and leg strength. Casting is fine resistance training and being intently aware of conditions and insect hatches couldn’t help but improve cognitive(thinking) problems. Truly a can't miss for elevating the mood. It has not hurt me! It does help to have a helpful brother who ties my flies on when my shaky hands just aren't up to the job.
So go ahead and review the list of published articles I have included and then check with your doctor. Are you physically able to start a routine that incorporates some form of exercise? If you are physically able to do so the literature clearly suggests that you will benefit. I have found that a recumbent exercise bike parked in front of the TV makes exercise very easy and safe to do. I can then add a leisurely walk with my dog and yes an occasional fly fishing trip.
Shaky in Coupeville
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| The fountain of youth found |
Randomized Clinical Trial of 3 Types of Physical Exercise for Patients With Parkinson Disease
Exercise can improve gait speed, muscle strength, and fitness for patients with Parkinson disease. The combination of treadmill and resistance exercises may result in greater benefit and requires further investigation.
JAMA Neurol. 2013;70(2):183-190. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.646.
Tai Chi Improves Balance, Reduces Falls in Parkinson's
N Engl J Med. 2012;366:511-519
Resistance Training Reduces Signs of Parkinson's
A vigorous resistance training program not only makes patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) stronger but also reduces signs of their disease over the long term, a new study has found.
American Academy of Neurology 64th Annual Meeting. Abstract #S02.003. Presented April 23, 2012.
Fast Pedaling Benefits People With Parkinson's Disease
People with Parkinson's disease benefit from pedaling on stationary bicycles, and those who pedal faster derive the most benefit.
News, Medscape Medical News, November 2012
Dance Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Dancing to a Better UPDRS
Can people with Parkinson's disease really waltz their symptoms away? Two recent studies suggest that dance therapy improves balance, bradykinesia, gait, motor functioning, postural instability, quality of life and other functional measures.
Medscape, Wilner on Neurology Blog, January 2012
Exercise, Behavioral Therapy Ease Incontinence in PD
Behavioral therapy using pelvic floor muscle exercises may help prevent urgency urinary incontinence episodes in older patients with Parkinson's disease.
News, Medscape Medical News, May 2011
It Is Not About the Bike, It Is About the Pedaling
Forced exercise intervention may improve motor function and central nervous system function in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Journal Article, Exerc Sport Sci Rev, October 2011
MDS 2009: Forced Exercise Provides Benefit Similar to Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease
June 15, 2009 (Paris, France) — Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who exercise on a stationary tandem bicycle with a healthy partner during a single 40-minute session experience a 35% improvement in motor function and increased brain activation similar to that found with levodopa treatment, new research shows.
- Movement Disorder Society's 13th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders: Abstract LB-13. Presented June 10, 2009.
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