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=The Affects of Resistance Exercise on Parkinson's Disease=

What's the Problem?
P arkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). An individual with PD exhibits unprogrammed cell death (necrosis) of cells responsible for producing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in motor control, and patients with PD consequently have reduced functionality of certain body movements due to a lack of dopamine. Whilst there is no known cure, high intensity resistance training is one of the best treatments for PD. Resistance training limits the effects of symptoms, allowing the patient to regain a certain level of motor control.

Parkinson's Warning Signs
PD is associated with several warning signs that indicate the presence of the disease. It is important to know these sign in order to understand the health risks involved with the disease.

Some signs you may witness:


 * - Uncontrolled shaking   ||||||||||  - Loss of balance and coordination
 * - Speech difficulties   |||||||||| - Stiffness
 * - Abnormal posture    ||||||||||  - Memory loss
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 * - Abnormal posture    ||||||||||  - Memory loss
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 * }

Benefits of Resistance Exercise
Resistance training can reduce the effects of Parkinson’s disease and lower risk factors such as stumbling or falling.

Benefits include:


 * Improved muscle strength.
 * Better balance, reducing the risk of falls.
 * Maintenance of posture.
 * Improved walking ability.
 * Improved brain functionality, leading to greater motor control

Types of Resistance Training


There are several types of resistance training methods that can be used for Parkinson's sufferers.

Some resistance training options are:
 * Strength/hypertrophy training.
 * Plyometrics.
 * Resistance band training.
 * Isomteric training (force produced without movement, commonly known as tensing).
 * Isokinetic training (force produced with movement at a constant speed).

Strength/hypertrophy training is highly recommended for persons with PD as its high intensity relative to other training techniques results in greater adaptations that can reduce some of the effects of the disease.
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! Exercise Example !! Area of improvement Leg training is recommended as it is closely linked with improved movement and balance due to increased strength, hypertrophy and stabilisation of muscles.
 * Leg press || Quadriceps and gluteal strength/hypertrophy
 * Leg extension || Qudriceps strength/hypertrophy
 * Hamstring curl || Hamstring strength/hypertrophy
 * Calf raises || Calf strength/hypertrophy
 * Squats || Qudriceps and gluteal strength/hypertrophy
 * Deadlifts || Hamstring and gluteal strength/hypertrophy
 * }
 * Calf raises || Calf strength/hypertrophy
 * Squats || Qudriceps and gluteal strength/hypertrophy
 * Deadlifts || Hamstring and gluteal strength/hypertrophy
 * }
 * Deadlifts || Hamstring and gluteal strength/hypertrophy
 * }

For Further Information
PO Box 717, Mawson ACT 2607, Phone: 0407 703 328
 * Daryl Smeaton : CEO Parkinson’s Australia
 * Web: www.parkinsons.org.au


 * Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Inc. 1800-457-6676


 * Nationl Parkinson Foundation, Inc.     Web http://www.parkinson.org/


 * "Alternatively contact your local GP for additional information"