Educational Materials
Do you need information about Parkinson's? PDF's educational materials provide information about symptoms, medications, local resources and more.
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Exercise
Do you find that exercise eases your Parkinson's symptoms or are you looking for a way to get started? Regular exercise or physical therapy is crucial for:
- Maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance, range of motion
- Easing PD’s secondary symptoms such as depression and constipation
According to David Lehman, Ph.D., P.T., and Mark Hirsch, Ph.D., “ In addition to helping with movement, researchers now believe that exercise may influence the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Most of this research is based on animal models of Parkinson’s, but some of the findings may apply to humans.”
Learn more about exercise and PD by reading:
As with every aspect of your care, always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Related Resources from the PD Resource List
The Importance of Physical Therapy and Exercise for People with PD
Category: Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
Resource Type: Publications
Publication Date: 2008
Author: David Lehman, Ph.D. and Mark A. Hirsch, Ph.D.
Publisher: Parkinson's Disease Foundation
Cost: Free
Toll Free: ( 800) 457-6676
Associated URL: www.pdf.org/en/factsheets
Address: 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509
City: New York
Zip: 10018
Language: English
State: New York
This fact sheet offers information about the benefits of exercise and physical therapy that may improve some of the motor symptoms associated with PD. Subjects include an overview of the research to date as well as the implication of these studies for people with PD. Also offered in Spanish.
Motivating Moves for People with Parkinson's
Category: Exercise
Resource Type: Publications
Publication Date: 2004
Author: Parkinson's Disease Foundation
Publisher: Janet Hamburg and the Parkinson's Disease Foundation
Cost: Yes
Phone: (800) 457-6676
Associated URL: www.motivatingmoves.com
Language: English
This award-winning program includes seated exercises specifically designed to address Parkinson's movement challenges such as balance, flexibility, walking, posture, vocal range and facial expression. It's also motivational and fun to do. A research study has shown that participants who used the program improved in mobility, activities of daily living and quality of life measures. The DVD/video can be done alone, with a caregiver or friend, or in a group.
View all Resources Related to Exercise and Parkinson's
