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Posted 1/24/2014 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
I have had PD since 11/2007. What do "you" do for exercise primarily for PD benefit?

Dan
Posted 1/25/2014 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
What??????? Doesn't anybody do any exercise or activity that benefits PD symptoms? I play ping-pong every opportunity I get. I have my own table and play against myself almost daily. It helps my coordination and reflexes. If I don't play for a few days I feel the difference.

Dan
Posted 1/26/2014 9:15 AM (GMT 0)
Dan,
I think you know that I am a HUGE proponent of exercise for people with Parkinson's disease. I have been participating in a non-contact, boxing-based, fitness program for people with Parkinson's since 2006. Multiple studies have been conducted that involved our group. One study compared the progression, meds, quality of life for people who did physical therapy vs. the boxing program. I participated in both the initial 6-month study and then a subsequent 2-year study that recently ended. Preliminary results were presented at the World Congress this past Fall. I'm not sure whether the official/formal results are published, but indications are that the folks in the boxing program which included 'forced exercise' (forcing yourself to work harder, longer, do more), had a slower progression and took less meds than the folks doing physical therapy. I want to note that even though the folks in the boxing program had more favorable results, doing physical therapy is much better than not exercising at all.

Other types of exercise that particularly benefit people with Parkinson's include, but are not limited to: yoga, swimming, tai chi, dancing ... and, of course, ping pong!

lizzy4451
Posted 1/26/2014 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
lizzy
Thanks for your reply. I hope everyone is listening.
Besides PD I also have an ileostomy so I shy away from contact sports. Ping-pong uses your whole body and your brain, just like boxing.
After I was diagnosed I started playing my beloved ping-pong by myself with the table in playback position. I am right handed. One evening I hit the ball to my far left. I switched the paddle to my left hand and returned the ball. I did not plan it, it was just automatic. I was so surprised that I just stopped. I had never held a paddle in my left hand before. I now use both hands consistently switching back and forth during a game. I am as good left as right. Yes, it is legal. My neuro has no explanation. Is PD rewiring my brain?
Has anyone in your boxing program gained more use of their "other hand" while boxing?
I am 69 and only take Azilect and ropinirole. No sinemet.

Dan

Post Edited (polishdan) : 1/26/2014 6:56:06 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/3/2014 4:24 AM (GMT 0)

Dan,

Interesting question ... do I think exercise has strengthened my weaker, less dominant side?  In my case, has boxing strengthened the side of my body that is less affected by PD? I think it has. I asked a couple of people from boxing how they felt -they think it has. However, with boxing, it's often hard to NOT use both sides/hands. Plus we intentionallydo exercises that strengthen both sides.

 

lizzy4451

Posted 2/3/2014 7:41 AM (GMT 0)
I don't understand your answer. PD affected side stronger? PD non-affected side stronger?

Dan
Posted 2/4/2014 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Dan,
Sorry for the confusion. Perhaps I'm not understanding the question.

People with Parkinson's tend to initially be affected by PD more on one side than another. Perhaps because of that, I think they also tend to be weaker on one side than the other. I thought you were asking if I/others felt weaker on one side initially and if we re-gained strength by exercising.

Now that I re-read your comments, I don't think that is what you are asking. I think you are asking whether the more-affected side or less-affected side is stronger - regardless of exercise. Am I close? If so, my answer would be 'it depends'. Unfortunately I can't explain what it depends on. Sometimes one side is stronger than the other- the next day it's reversed.

lizzy4451
Posted 2/4/2014 12:09 PM (GMT 0)
lizzy
PD affects my right side. My left side gained use (ping-pong) automatically after PD diagnosis. Is this experienced by others?

Dan
Posted 8/20/2014 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
For exercise:

---------------

 - treadmill with 2.5 lbs wrist weights.  Easy jog, focusing on swinging arms.  Yes I have to concentrate harder on my left.  Same weight a fast walk on treadmill, sometimes only swinging my left arm which is the trouble arm.

 - Cross country skiing.  I find this to be the best exercise.  Stay in tracks and just go.  My arms react totally smoothly.  Something about it.  And great fitness.

 - Swimming is great too.

 - Wii video games:  tennis, ping pong, bowling, boxing, dance.   I'm right handed, but use my left for working on my left.  Boxing, both of course.

 

Posted 10/18/2014 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Exercise will not stop Parkinson's disease from progressing; but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening.
If you have difficulty balancing, exercise within reach of a grab bar or rail. If you have trouble standing or getting up, try exercising in bed rather than on the floor or an exercise mat.
You should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Posted 10/20/2014 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Candy,
Welcome to Healing Well. For the most part I agree with what you say and your suggestions are good ones.

However, there is evidence that rigorous exercise - forcing you to do more than you think you can - may slow the progression. In fact, some studies have shown it does (not 'may') slow the progression. I was in a 2-year exercise study which indicated rigorous exercise does slow the progression. Aside from that, it has kept me more agile, flexible, stronger and overall more healthy. I am a believer in the benefits of exercise on any level - even if done from a seated position.

lizzy4451
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