BRAIN

Can we combine physical activity and Parkinson's disease?

Daily physical activities are reduced by about 30% with Parkinson's disease. This reduction begins several years before diagnosis. As you get older, it becomes more significant. But also in cases of severe illness, fatigue, apathy or depression. This disease is more noticeable in men. But then, is it necessary to combine physical activity and Parkinson's disease? This is what we will see in this article.

The consequences of reduced physical activity

Physical inactivity and physical inactivity in Parkinson's disease are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. In fact, the same is true in the general population. They are also at risk of constipation, diabetes, osteoporosis, insomnia, depression and cognitive impairment. It is therefore recommended that physical activity and Parkinson's disease not be separated.

The beneficial effects of physical training

Based on animal studies, physical activity has been shown to increase energy production by the mitochondria. It also reduces inflammatory phenomena that can lead to cell death. Physical training also stimulates our body's antioxidant defences. In addition, it also increases the production of synapses between neurons. On the other hand, high-intensity aerobic exercise can promote the production of neuronal growth factors. Physical activity would then have a neuroprotective effect, although this has yet to be demonstrated. By combining physical activity and Parkinson's disease, the risk of falling can be reduced and cognitive and motor performance and quality of life can be improved. Also, the risk of death related to the disease can be limited.

What place should be given to physical activity in the management of Parkinson's disease?

Participating in an exercise program and daily physical activity will improve physical fitness. Research also suggests that it helps to improve the effectiveness of treatment and optimize the functioning of the failing dopaminergic system. The combination of physical activity and Parkinson's disease therefore has a lot of potential for treating the disease. This is just as important as rehabilitation, surgical and drug treatments.

Is there a preferred type of activity?

The most important thing is that the rehabilitation and the type of activity is adapted to the person and the stage of the disease. In France alone, more than half of the patients have rehabilitation care that focuses on the re-education of posture, balance, transfers, walking and lower limbs. Physical exercises aim to improve mobility, joint range of motion, flexibility, cardiovascular maintenance, balance and fall prevention. Regular physical activity (at least 3 times an hour per week) is recommended.

Training principles

The activities propose to combine resistance work with repeated contractions. This significantly increases muscle strength in the lower limbs. High intensity aerobic exercises (running, cycling, walking,...) improve balance, walking, quality of life and cognitive functions. As for global stretching exercises, they help to fight against the harmful effects of rigidity. Rehabilitation is carried out with the help of a physiotherapist. But also in collaboration with specialists in adapted physical activities and the treating neurologist.

The role of the patient

The involvement of the patient in his or her own care and early training in self- rehabilitation help to limit the psychological and functional consequences of the disease. In recent years, it has been shown that the involvement of the patient in group practices related to regular physical activities improves walking. Notably dance or tai chi. It also helps to reduce the risk of falling in the medium term. By maintaining a friendly and social bond, these activities can have a positive impact on the patient's quality of life. Today, their long-term benefits have yet to be demonstrated through controlled clinical trials and rigorous methodology. Being physically active helps greatly in the synthesis of dopamine, which results in slowing down the effects of the disease.

You have to be a regular athlete

Parkinson's disease causes nerve cells that produce dopamine to gradually disappear. Without it, movements are more difficult to perform and muscles become stiff. A study published in the New York Times explained how physical activity slows the progression of the disease, hence the importance of combining physical activity and Parkinson's disease. This is especially important when the disease is newly diagnosed. However, one must be careful, because to see results, one must do intense sports on a regular basis. For example: active walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes and 4 times a week. On the other hand, doctors also recommend cycling, swimming and tai chi. These activities help to stretch the muscles.