A new clinical study has found that some people who have mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease may experience some reductions in symptoms by taking a regular, daily walk.
While walking has been proven in clinical studies to help reduce heart disease, diabetes and depression, studies have not previously shown that the activity can benefit those with PD.
This clinical study looked at 60 people with an average age of 65 who suffer from mild to moderate PD. None of them use a cane or walker and do not have dementia. Each of them live on their own. For six months, they walked at a quick pace for 45 minutes, three times weekly. Electronic monitors were used to measure heart rate and walking speed, and periodic tests were conducted that showed marked improvements in aerobic fitness and motor function.
Walking briskly three times a week can reduce symptoms for mild to moderate PD patients.
Overall, motor function in this group improved by 15%, and gait speed increased by 7%. Aerobic fitness increased by 7% as well.
Also, other symptoms of PD also were improved: Mood scores soared by 15%, and fatigue scores fell by 11%. Scores for attention and response control also improved by 14%.
The study concluded that people who have mild to moderate PD can safely exercise in the way described above to enjoy a similar reduction in symptoms.
It should be noted that this study had a small number of participants, and did not feature a control group that did not walk. Also, these findings only apply to people who have mild to moderate forms of PD. Still, this study offers hope to people with PD – a good walk a few times per week can really pay dividends!
Parkinson’s Aids for Staying Active
If you need a walker to deal with your PD symptoms, you will probably will not be able to walk as quickly or as much as the study above describes. However, every bit of walking that you can do will help to keep you strong and reduce symptoms to some degree.
A good option for a high quality walker is the U-Step 2 Walker for Parkinsons:
This walker is very stable and provides support in many directions.
If you do not need a walker at this time, another product that eases the walking process is the LaserCane:
This cane projects a bright red line along the walking path, giving you a visual cue so you can break freezing episodes and increase the length of your stride.
Whatever the stage of your PD, do your best to keep on walking to stay as fit as you can!
