Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease. Presented by Jason King AEP
Recalibrating the brain
Exercise makes a difference to the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and contributes to slowing down symptom progression. PD Warrior’s Jason King AEP shares a framework for using a neuro-active and goal-directed approach to exercise intervention.
In describing the pathophysiology of PD and it’s presenting motor and non-motor symptoms; Jason introduces us to some useful analogies. The ‘watering down’, ‘accelerator and brake pedal’ and ‘touch the ceiling’ concepts help us to grasp what’s happening and can be useful tools for client education.
Evidence supports the use of exercise and demonstrates its impact through altering brain function and structure- “brain recalibration”. It follows that neuroplastic principles give us a framework to organise exercise prescription considerations: Specificity; High Effort; Frequency; Power; Complexity; Salience and Fun.
Bradykinesia, Tremor Dominance and Agility Impaired are the three types of PD. We are introduced to a case study for each and consider how this translates to individualising an exercise prescription for each.
The theme throughout is power. Exercise has powerful benefits. PD clients need to exercise powerfully to experience these benefits. Your communication and demonstrations need to be delivered with power to role model helpfully.
And importantly, exercise can truly empower individuals with PD to take control.
Jason King completed his Masters of Exercise Physiology at Australian Catholic University, and early on discovered his passion for neurological rehab, particularly in Parkinson’s disease. Since 2014 his work at Advance Rehab Centre has helped to establish and grow the Exercise Physiology department to service the needs of these clients. Jason is an advocate for using sport and Nordic walking as rehab tools. He was awarded the Anne-Maree Neal Innovation Award in 2020 and again in 2021. Jason’s role at PD Warrior has him supporting fellow movement professionals upskilling in exercise interventions for Parkinson’s.
