Movement as Medicine: How Exercise Improves Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and quality of life. While there is no cure, exercise is one of the most effective tools we have to manage symptoms, maintain independence, and improve daily function.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is characterised by a reduction in dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movement. This disruption in nerve signalling leads to symptoms such as:

• Tremors

• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)

• Muscle stiffness

• Postural instability

• Gait disturbances and freezing of gait

These symptoms can worsen over time, but regular, targeted exercise can help slow their progression and improve function. Research shows exercise promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, form new pathways, and rewire itself (Shulman et al., 2013; Osborne et al., 2022).

Why Exercise Matters in Parkinson’s Disease

According to recent studies (Zhen et al., 2022; Osborne et al., 2022), consistent movement offers a wide range of benefits for individuals with Parkinson’s, including:

✅ Rebuilding and strengthening neural pathways

✅ Maintaining mobility, balance, and motor control

✅ Enhancing coordination and posture

✅ Reducing the risk of falls

✅ Supporting cardiovascular health

✅ Boosting mood and regulating energy

✅ Improving confidence and independence

✅ Enhancing overall quality of life

Targeted Exercises for Parkinson’s

The most effective programs are multimodal - addressing strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Examples include:

• Strength training: Maintains muscle mass and joint support

• Static and dynamic balance exercises: Reduces fall risk and increases stability

• Yoga: Promotes posture, relaxation, and flexibility

• Dancing: Enhances rhythm, coordination, and social engagement

• External cueing: Visual or auditory cues help reduce freezing and improve gait

• Hydrotherapy: Safe, low-impact option that supports strength and mobility

Success Story: Regaining Strength and Confidence

One of our clients, a 63-year-old male living with Parkinson’s disease and Type 1 Diabetes, has made significant improvements over a 12-week personalised program.

He attended twice-weekly sessions focusing on:

• Circuit-based aerobic training to improve cardiovascular health and energy

• Gait and functional strength training to support balance and reduce fall risk

Over time, his:

• Posture improved

• Gait cycle became smoother and more stable

• Freezing of gait reduced

• Confidence and independence increased

  
  

These changes have led to fewer near-falls, better energy levels, and a noticeable uplift in quality of life.

Why Personalised, Supervised Programs Matter

Parkinson’s symptoms vary widely between individuals and can fluctuate daily. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. A qualified Exercise Physiologist can adapt exercises in real-time based on:

• Daily symptom presentation

• Medication timing and effects

• Functional capacity on the day

• Fatigue levels and mood

• Individual goals and progress

Your safety, confidence, and independence are always the top priority.

Start Moving with Confidence Today

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, exercise can be life-changing but it needs to be safe, supervised, and evidence-based.

At Northside Allied Health, our Exercise Physiologists design tailored programs that help people with Parkinson’s stay stronger, steadier, and more independent for longer.

Contact us today to book an assessment or learn more about how we can support your movement journey.

References

1. Shulman, L. M., et al. (2013). Exercise therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94(2), 231–238.

2. Osborne, J. A., et al. (2022). Physical therapist management of Parkinson disease: a clinical practice guideline. Physical Therapy, 102(4), pzab302.

3. Zhen, K., et al. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis on effects of aerobic exercise.