It is well known that physical exercises of all kinds are beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease. They are important because they help improve fine motor skills, walking, and balance. Let’s consider the main ones.
Exercises in which the patient makes excessive physical movements – such as, for example, high steps, wide arm swings while walking, and even singing loudly . This is an excellent way to “retrain” your muscles and slow the progression of hypokinesia (i.e., slowness and reduced amplitude – the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease)
Opposite directed movements – from side to side, left to right. For example, swinging your arms while walking, riding a stationary bike (with a straight and extended back), using an elliptical trainer (which uses both arms and legs). It may also help chanting poems or singing while walking (to maintain the rhythm) Tai Chi Gymnastics and Dance Classes also useful for this
Normal balance is the interaction between what we see (visual feedback), how we sense our position in space (with our vestibular system), and how our feet feel the ground beneath us. Parkinson’s disease can affect this system, making walking unstable, which in turn may cause us to avoid public and crowded places. It can help walking training and various ways to compensate for balance (boxing with a punching bag helps a lot “грушей “).
In patients with Parkinson’s disease, overstrain and stiffness usually develop, predominantly in the flexor muscles—this is why patients often exhibit a stooped posture and a bent gait on semi-flexed legs, with arms pressed to the torso. To counteract this, it is better frequently stretch muscles – at short intervals throughout the day, based on the principle of “remembered-done”
Muscles naturally weaken with age, so strength training is important for everyone. However, research shows that muscle weakness is a more serious problem specifically for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Depending on the patient’s physical fitness and the severity of movement disorders the load during exercises can vary – they can be performed with light dumbbells (or heavier ones), with an elastic resistance band, or in a pool (water resistance is also great for strengthening muscles)
Whatever stage your disease is at, it’s important for you to feel that you are in control of it. It’s important to learn to manage the limitations caused by the disease in such a way that you can continue to do what matters to you and maintain your quality of life. Regular physical exercise plays a vital role for people with Parkinson’s disease. It improves muscle strength and flexibility, the ability to move better, and supports a better quality of life. There are also specific exercises recommended for people with Parkinson’s disease. With the help of a physiotherapist, patients can achieve better results in how they move and feel. In many countries, activities like dancing, boxing, tai chi, and yoga are popular among patients with Parkinson’s disease.
One, two, three, cha-cha-cha – counts the rhythm the fitness trainer, simultaneously repeating the movements of the famous dance with their whole body. The students, patients with Parkinson’s disease, diligently repeat the movements. And this is not a fantasy, it is a depiction of a widespread contemporary approach – dance movement therapy (DMT).
Almost all types of physical activity have a positive impact on the progression of Parkinson’s disease, especially for strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. A separate type of physical exercise is dance. In many Western European countries, the USA, and recently in our country, dance has been included in the rehabilitation system for Parkinson’s disease. By maintaining physical activity and taking medication, people with Parkinson’s disease can live a normal life for a long time. Dance therapy offers a pleasant, multidimensional enriched environment, which helps improve balance, coordination, flexibility, imagery, imitation, creativity, rhythm, memory, and learning. Additionally, dance enhances social connections, reduces stress and tension, and boosts confidence and self-esteem, leading to an overall improvement in mood.
Why do dances help?
Numerous studies by scientists worldwide have repeatedly proven the beneficial effects of dance-movement therapy on the course and progression of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The most pronounced impact is seen in the early stages of the disease’s development. And certainly as part of comprehensive therapy.
Waltz – for smoothness of movement. Cha-cha-cha – for a sense of rhythm. Rumba and Samba – for coordination. One of the widely used dance methods for patients with Parkinson’s disease worldwide is Dance for PD®, which appeared in 2011 Currently, more than 100 such centers operate in 20 countries worldwide, including Russia. But researchers are not stopping at studies on the benefits of dance. Robots have already been created to assist patients with movement disorders.
Even mild movement disorders in people with Parkinson’s disease can affect daily activities and self-esteem. Many of these motor symptoms lead to isolation, as people do not want to leave home. Tremor and spasticity cause psychological problems, depression, and social isolation. These symptoms progress over time. Physical exercises, group activities, musical accompaniment, and working with a trainer can help alleviate the condition.
Doctor - Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Ultrasound Diagnostics Doctor