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Parkinson’s
Disease

cares

Clinical & Rehabilitation Exercise Sheets

By Shel Levine, MS, MSA, CES
Eastern Michigan University

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic,
progressive degeneration
of nerve cells that produce
dopamine, a chemical that helps
the brain control movement and
balance.The reduction and/or loss
of dopamine produces the major
symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
— tremor, rigidity, slow
movements, balance and gait
disturbances.

Parkinson’s disease affects over
one million Americans, both men
and women. Age of onset is
usually over 50, with 1% of the
population over 65 and 0.04%
over 40 being affected.

How do you get it?

There are no specific conditions that
cause Parkinson’s disease to develop.
Besides the degeneration of special
nerve cells, the interference or blocking
of dopamine action (excess ingestion of
anti psychotic drugs) can also produce
Parkinson’s type symptoms.

How is it treated?

Common treatments include drug
therapy and physical activity. Special
surgeries have been performed in
severe cases.

What are the precautions?

Patients with severe balance deficits
and postural instabilities should be
closely supervised during treadmill
walking and while utilizing an
exercise ball.

How is it prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known
prevention for Parkinson’s disease at
this time. However, resistance and
balance exercises may help to minimize
the balance deficits, gait disturbances,
and weakness associated with
Parkinson’s disease.

For more information, visit

www.Thera-BandAcademy.com

©2000. The Hygenic Corporation. This page may be

reproduced by professionals for patient use only.

Thera-Band and Associated Colors are trademarks of The

Hygenic Corporation. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

1-800-321-2135 www.thera-band.com

– P03693 –

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Who can I contact?

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation: 1-800-457-6676

web site: www.PDF.org

National Parkinson’s Foundation: 1-800-327-4545

web site: www.Parkinson.org

Shel Levine, MS, MSA, CES: [phone]

Eastern Michigan University

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE

BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM.

THIS GENERAL INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED

TO DIAGNOSE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR TO

REPLACE THE ADVICE OF YOUR HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONAL. DISCUSS A SPECIFIC EXERCISE

PRESCRIPTION WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONAL. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PAIN OR

DIFFICULTY WITH THESE EXERCISES, STOP AND

CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.

Recommended Thera-Band

®

Products

Available From:

Exercise Ball

Upper Body Kit
Lower Body Kit

Exercises for
Parkinson’s Disease

Reference: Levine S, Brandenberg P, Pagels M. A strenuous

exercise program benefits patients with mild to moderate

Parkinson’s Disease. 2000. Clin Exerc Physiol. 2(1):43-48.

Exercise Tips

• Always consult your physician before beginning

any exercise program.

• Perform strengthening exercises two times

per week.

• Use a resistance that allows you to complete

two sets of 15 repetitions; gradually increase
repetitions and resistance.

• Include treadmill walking and stationary bike

for 20 minutes, three times a week; gradually
progress to 30 minutes.

• Persons with severe balance deficits should use

the Exercise Ball only with close supervision.

• Consult your healthcare provider for an appro-

priate exercise prescription.

Thera-Band

®

Resistive Exerciser

BICEPS CURLS: Grasp handle and bend
elbow toward shoulder. Slowly return.

TRICEPS EXTENSION: Secure band with
Door Anchor. Grasp handle and extend
elbow. Slowly return.

PULL DOWNS: Secure band with Door
Anchor. Grasp handles with both arms
straight ahead. Pull band toward chest
while bending elbows. Slowly return.

HAMSTRING CURL: Secure band using
Door Anchor. Attach band to ankle. Bend
knee. Slowly return.

BENT-OVER ROW: Slightly bend over and
support yourself. Grasp handle with elbow
straight. Pull upward toward shoulder.
Slowly return.

KNEE EXTENSION: Secure band behind
chair. Attach to ankle. Extend knee. Slowly
return.

Thera-Band

®

Exercise Ball

Begin by sitting on the ball. As balance improves,
begin lifting one arm or one leg at a time.
Progress to lifting opposite arm and leg at the
same time. Gradually increase repetitions.