Navigating Seismic Shocks
In the ongoing battle against Parkinson's disease, exercise emerges as a crucial weapon in managing symptoms, particularly tremors. Here, we explore various effective exercise strategies that can help alleviate tremors and improve the quality of life for those affected.
## Exercise Strategies
1. **Aerobic and Strength Training**: Combining aerobic exercises, such as walking or running, with strength training can enhance overall mobility and potentially reduce tremors by improving muscular control and balance.
2. **Tai Chi**: Known for its focus on balance, coordination, and stability, Tai Chi can help mitigate the impact of tremors by enhancing motor control and proprioception.
3. **Dancing**: Improving flexibility and motor coordination, dancing can help manage tremors through enhanced muscle control and coordination.
4. **High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)**: While primarily focused on disease progression, HIIT has the potential to indirectly help manage tremors by improving overall physical function.
5. **Targeted Hand and Wrist Exercises**: Exercises like the "Throw the Dart" and Finger Tapping can help improve wrist mobility, reduce stiffness, and enhance fine motor control, thus alleviating hand tremors.
6. **Balance and Coordination Exercises**: Activities such as kayaking or using balance boards can improve balance, which is crucial for minimising the impact of tremors during daily activities.
## General Tips
- Varying your exercise routine ensures comprehensive benefits, incorporating aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. - Always consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to tailor exercises to individual needs and abilities. - Grounding, using pressure, and deep breathing can help reduce tremors. - Wrist Flexion and Extension, repeated 10 times per hand, can help reduce tremors. - Progressive Muscle Relaxation, starting from toes and working up to the face, can help reduce tremors. - Deep Breathing Exercises, repeated ten times, can help reduce tremors. - The "Go Big" strategy, involving breaks and activities like loud conversations, walking, or throwing a ball, can help reduce tremors.
These strategies are designed to help manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but they do not completely stop tremors. However, they can potentially improve mobility, boost safety, and increase confidence in daily routines for those with Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, they can help improve confidence in social settings, eating out, and enjoying family events and sports games.
While these exercises show promise in reducing tremors, it's important to note that their effectiveness may vary from person to person. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and optimal application of these exercises for managing tremors in Parkinson's disease.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Parkinson's disease: Exercise. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/in-depth/exercise/art-20048385 [Accessed 20 May 2023]. [2] Parkinson's Foundation. (2021). Exercise. [online] Available at: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Medication/Exercise [Accessed 20 May 2023]. [3] National Institute on Aging. (2020). Physical Activity and Parkinson's Disease. [online] Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/physical-activity-and-parkinsons-disease [Accessed 20 May 2023]. [4] American Parkinson Disease Association. (2021). Exercise. [online] Available at: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/exercise [Accessed 20 May 2023].
- The strategies presented for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as aerobic and strength training, tai chi, dancing, HIIT, targeted hand and wrist exercises, and balance and coordination exercises, can also potentially aid in managing chronic diseases and mental health issues.
- Engaging in various physical activities like exercises and therapies, such as the ones mentioned above, can contribute to overall health and wellness, promoting fitness and exercise, and mental health.
- The neurological disorders category includes Parkinson's disease, and since exercise is an essential part of managing symptoms, it is recommended that these exercise strategies be considered for individuals dealing with other neurological disorders as well.
- It's important to remember that while these exercise strategies may help alleviate tremors and improve quality of life, they should be combined with other therapies and treatments, such as medications, to manage chronic diseases, medical conditions, and neurological disorders effectively.