A recent study has found that ongoing aerobic activity may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease which is a disorder that affects the nervous system.
J. Eric Ahlskog, Ph.D., M.D., a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, said, “Aerobic exercise means vigorous exercise, which makes you hot, sweaty and tired.” Examples of aerobic exercise include briskly walking or using an elliptical machine.
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Researchers found that exercise helps counter brain shrinkage, slow down brain aging, maintain healthy brain connections and liberates trophic factors – small proteins which act in similar fashion as fertilizer on a lawn.
Dr. Ahlskog suggests that physical therapy should incorporate more aerobic-style exercises when dealing with patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Ahlskog made the following recommendations in regards to incorporating more aerobic exercises into your life – whether you have Parkinson’s disease or not it can still help benefit your overall health.
- Start off slow – begin with 15 minutes and keep adding on time as you become stronger and more fit
- Set goals – aim for 45 minutes to an hour of vigorous activity at least four times a week
- Do an activity you enjoy – you’ll be more inclined to stick with it if you enjoy it
- Push yourself – increase repetitions or try and pass other walkers
Dr. Ahlskog does stress one important point: “Be certain that you have worked with your doctor to optimize your medication, specifically carbidopa/levodopa. Once patients with Parkinson’s disease slow down, adequate carbidopa/levodopa is necessary to optimize quality of life and facilitate engagement in exercise.”
The findings were published in JAMA Neurology.
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/mc-mcn011916.php
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
