Exercise as it relates to Disease/The Affects of Resistance Exercise on Parkinson's Disease

The Affects of Resistance Exercise on Parkinson's Disease __TOC__ What's the Problem? Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS).Crizzle, A. (2006). Is Physical Exercise Beneficial for Persons with Parkinson's Disease? Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine , 442-445 An individual with PD exhibits unprogrammed cell death (necrosis) of cells responsible for producing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.Hirsch, M. (2003). The Effects of Balance Training and High-Intensity Resistance. Arch Phys Med Rehabil , 1109-1117 Dopamine is involved in motor control, and patients with PD consequently have reduced functionality of certain body movements due to a lack of dopamine. Whilst there is no known cure, high intensity resistance training is one of the best treatments for PD. Resistance training limits the effects of symptoms, allowing the patient to regain a certain level of motor control.Hirsch, M. (2003). The Effects of Balance Training and High-Intensity Resistance. Arch Phys Med Rehabil , 1109-1117Kwakkel, A. (2008). Impact of physical therapy for Parkinson's disease: A critical review of the literature. Parkinson's and Related Disorders , 478-487. Parkinson's Warning Signs PD is associated with several warning signs that indicate the presence of the disease. It is important to know these sign in order to understand the health risks involved with the disease.Kwakkel, A. (2008). Impact of physical therapy for Parkinson's disease: A critical review of the literature. Parkinson's and Related Disorders , 478-487. Some signs you may witness: {| |- | - Uncontrolled shaking |||||||||| - Loss of balance and coordination |- | - Speech difficulties |||||||||| - Stiffness |- | - Abnormal posture |||||||||| - Memory loss |} Benefits of Resistance Exercise Resistance training can reduce the effects of Parkinson’s disease and lower risk factors such as stumbling or falling.Michael, J. (2008). Parkinson's disease and resistive exercise: Rationale, review, and recommendations. Movement Disorders , 1-11 Benefits include: Improved muscle strength. Better balance, reducing the risk of falls. Maintenance of posture. Improved walking ability. Improved brain functionality, leading to greater motor control Types of Resistance Training frame|alt=squat|A squat, one of many examples of strength training exercises for the legs There are several types of resistance training methods that can be used for Parkinson's sufferers.Morris, M. (2006). Locomotor Training in People With Parkinson Disease. Physical Therapy , 1426-1435 Some resistance training options are: Strength/hypertrophy training. Plyometrics. Resistance band training. Isomteric training (force produced without movement, commonly known as tensing). Isokinetic training (force produced with movement at a constant speed). Strength/hypertrophy training is highly recommended for persons with PD as its high intensity relative to other training techniques results in greater adaptations that can reduce some of the effects of the disease.Nallegowda, M. (2002). Role of Sensory Input and Muscle Strength in Maintenance of Balance, Gait, and Posture in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation , 898-908 {| class="wikitable" |- ! Exercise Example !! Area of improvement |- | Leg press || Quadriceps and gluteal strength/hypertrophy |- | Leg extension || Qudriceps strength/hypertrophy |- | Hamstring curl || Hamstring strength/hypertrophy |- | Calf raises || Calf strength/hypertrophy |- | Squats || Qudriceps and gluteal strength/hypertrophy |- | Deadlifts || Hamstring and gluteal strength/hypertrophy |} Leg training is recommended as it is closely linked with improved movement and balance due to increased strength, hypertrophy and stabilisation of muscles.Tamar, C. (2002). The power of cueing to circumvent dopamine deficits: A review of physical therapy treatment of gait disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Movement disorders , 1148-1160 For Further Information Daryl Smeaton: CEO Parkinson’s Australia PO Box 717, Mawson ACT 2607, Phone: 0407 703 328 Web: www.parkinsons.org.au Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Inc. 1800-457-6676 National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. Web http://www.parkinson.org/ "Alternatively contact your local GP for additional information" References