Benefits Of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease meaning it will worsen over time. It primarily affects dopamine neuron cells in the substantia nigra area of the brain, which is in the midbrain region. When the dopamine neuronal cells fall to a certain threshold level, symptoms will appear. One symptom is shakiness in the arms or hands, which are involuntary muscle tremors. These are uncontrollable jerky movements, regardless of whether the individual is resting or moving around, but more pronounced at rest. Another symptom is rigidity with movement of the extremities and the appearance of stiff, rocklike muscles. In addition, the individual will move slowly (bradykinesia) and walk with a shortened stride sometimes, as though
It can help them by increasing muscle strength and endurance as well as by enhancing their flexibility. Research further supports positive outcomes on personal outlook and mood. According to MacBeth, “The medical literature has shown that medication and surgical intervention alone are not adequate treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Exercise, functional training, and education are also integral parts of the management of this disease and its disabilities.”2
Although exercise will not reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it can help with quality of life and give individuals the ability to maintain functional independence for a longer period of time. The goal of exercise is to encourage being proactive with the disease and foster a healthy active
His coworkers first noticed changes in Jack’s memory and his dexterity and fine motor skills when handling his tools and parts. He began dropping things and he started shuffling his feet. One afternoon his coworkers brought Jack to the onsite medical department for an evaluation after falling to the ground. During his assessment the nurse noticed he had difficulty communicating and resting tremors in his arms. Jack was transported to an emergency room where he was diagnosed with early onset of Parkinson’s disease and was referred to a neurologist. After the neurologist reviewed his test results with him, the doctor prescribed him Mirapex medication for his tremors and an aquatic exercise program for a frequency of 3 days per week, low to moderate intensity for 30 – 40 minutes.
Preparation for Aquatic Exercise Program Before Jack started his aquatic exercise program, his neurologist performed a Functional Reach Test to have a baseline result on his balance and determine his risk for falling, a Chair Sit-to-Stand Test to get a baseline result on balance and bradykinesia, and the TUG Test for another baseline on balance and bradykinesia. In addition, at the pool facility on his first day the aquatic physiotherapist assessed him for water safety, comfort, and awareness. The following skills were assessed:
• Walking forward, backward, and side-to-side in the