People suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) present with motor symptoms such as impaired gait, balance and freezing of gait, as well as with a variety of non-motor symptoms, most commonly cognitive decline and depression.
Strong evidence supports the benefits of exercise for people with PD by decreasing both motor and non-motor symptoms, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of falls.
Preliminary evidence indicates that aerobic exercise can also induce neuroplasticity, delay disease progression, reduce depressive symptoms and improve cognition.
They were also more interested in exercise programmes that would provide physical and psychological benefits. Men were more likely to consider adopting strengthening exercises, whereas women were averse to adopting aerobic exercise. To facilitate more exercise among people with PD, healthcare services should provide programs aligned with these factors.
> From: Paul et al., J Physiother 67 (2021) 49-55 . All rights reserved to Australian Physiotherapy Association. Click here for the online summary.
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