How much exercise should people with Parkinson’s disease do each week?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 24 June 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

US charity Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have shared new exercise recommendations for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

The release of the guidelines followed a meeting hosted by Parkinson’s Foundation, which brought together experts in fields including exercise, physical therapy and medicine – and the recommendations are built upon the ACSM’s science-based standards for exercise testing and prescription.

The guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week across four types of fitness activities: aerobic; strength training; balance, agility and multitasking; and stretching. They also suggest that people with Parkinson’s should consult a physical therapist specialising in the condition for an individual evaluation.

John Lehr, president and CEO of Parkinson’s Foundation, said: “As a leader in driving better health outcomes and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, these exercise recommendations are an important framework to ensure the [Parkinson’s] community is receiving safe and effective exercise program and instruction.”

Find out more about the new exercise recommendations for Parkinson’s disease.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s disease research, please visit Parkinson’s Europe website.

Could virtual studies support Parkinson’s disease research?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Health & Fitness

6 tips to stay active while living with Parkinson’s disease

From making home modifications, to eliminating distractions

7 famous athletes in Parkinson’s disease community

How much do you know about these sports stars?

5 Parkinson’s exercise classes for keeping fit in lockdown

Free online exercise classes to help you stay active

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How much exercise should people with Parkinson’s disease do each week?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 24 June 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Health & Fitness

6 tips to stay active while living with Parkinson’s disease

Global update

7 famous athletes in Parkinson’s disease community

Health & Fitness

5 Parkinson’s exercise classes for keeping fit in lockdown

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

How much exercise should people with Parkinson’s disease do each week?

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 24 June 2021

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Health & Fitness

6 tips to stay active while living with Parkinson’s disease

Global update

7 famous athletes in Parkinson’s disease community

Health & Fitness

5 Parkinson’s exercise classes for keeping fit in lockdown

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in