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Parkinson's Disease and Exercise
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Exercise is an important part of home treatment for people with Parkinson's disease. It has benefits in both early and advanced stages of the disease. Regular exercise can help you:
- Maintain muscle strength and improve coordination.
- Maintain and increase endurance.
- Improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Control weight.
- Reduce the likelihood of becoming constipated.
Exercise also can promote a sense of well-being and improve your mood.
A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and stretches to do at home to improve posture, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
A physical or occupational therapist can also help you to:
- Plan more efficient movements for daily living activities (such as bathing and dressing) so that these activities are easier and less tiring.
- Improve balance and walking.
- Use walking aids (such as canes or walkers) correctly.
Related Information Back to top
Credits Back to top
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | G. Frederick Wooten, MD - Neurology |
| Last Revised | December 5, 2012 |
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Last Revised: December 5, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & G. Frederick Wooten, MD - Neurology
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