Why is exercise important?
People with Parkinson’s disease often become very inactive which causes loss of fitness. This can worsen the effects of the disease itself and can lead to secondary complications such as heart disease, osteoporosis, insomnia, constipation and depression. Inactivity can increase the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson’s, who are already at increased risk of falling. The tendency to fall and consequent injuries can eventually result in loss of independence and early admission to nursing homes. People often live with Parkinson’s disease for a long time, which has profound implications for the care and treatment of individuals, and has significant impact for their families and the health-care system. By increasing fitness, exercise protects against many complications of the disease. For example, better mobility may improve quality of life and prolong independent living. Exercise may also have positive effects on mood and improve their brain function and make drug therapy more effective. It also provides a means by which individuals can actively participate in the management of their disease. Some studies have shown that increased exercise reduces the death rate in people with Parkinson’s disease. Intensive exercise improves both heart and lung (aerobic) fitness and muscle control and function. This exercise reduces the increased muscle rigidity and slowed movements caused by the disease, and also increases hand coordination. Programs of resistance (weights) training increase muscle mass and strength, and also improve walking speed and distance. Balance training (alone or combined with resistance training) can improve balance and stability and increase quality of life.

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