Managing Seismic Shocks
Tremors are a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, but there are several strategies that can help manage their severity. Here are five exercise strategies, along with additional techniques, that can aid in reducing tremors and improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Hand-focused exercises
Targeted exercises for the hands, such as finger tapping and fine motor tasks, can help manage tremor severity by improving dexterity and muscle control. 1 [4]
Aerobic activities
Engaging in whole-body aerobic exercises like cycling or brisk walking can improve overall motor function and reduce tremors. Dynamic cycling regimens have shown benefits in long-term exercise programs, influencing brain neural connections. 1 [3]
Amplitude-based movements
Exercises encouraging larger, more deliberate motions combat bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and can reduce tremors by improving motor control and coordination. [5]
Strength and balance training
Strengthening muscles and improving balance through targeted drills can enhance stability, reduce tremor impact, and lower fall risk. 1 [5]
Gait training with cues
Using visual or rhythmic cues to guide foot placement and posture during walking helps smooth motor function and reduce tremor amplitude by promoting better neuromuscular coordination. [5]
Additional supportive therapies
In addition to these exercise strategies, shockwave therapy and Stimpod therapy can loosen stiff muscles and improve nerve-muscle communication, complementing exercise benefits but are not strictly exercise strategies. [2]
Additional techniques
Deep Breathing Exercise involves inhaling through the nose for a count of four, holding for six, then exhaling slowly through the mouth for eight, repeated ten times. This exercise could potentially have a significant impact on the overall quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. 1
Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique involves starting with toes, tensing each muscle group for five seconds, holding, then releasing and breathing, moving to the next muscle area, and repeating. 1
Hand flicks involve using a full range of motion with hands, tossing them open and closed with energy. 1
Finger tapping involves tapping each finger to the thumb in order, ten times on each hand. 1
Punching involves squeezing hands into fists and throwing punches with force, speed, and power. 1
Grounding is a strategy that uses pressure and deep breathing, pushing open hands into knees and pushing legs into the ground. 1
Wrist flexion and extension involves bending the wrist up and down, ten times per hand, with the forearm resting on a table. 1
These exercises, when practiced, may improve mobility, boost safety, and increase confidence in daily life. 1
- In addition to exercise strategies, shockwave therapy and Stimpod therapy can aid in improving muscle flexibility and communication between nerves and muscles, thus complementing the benefits of exercises for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- Deep breathing exercises, which involve taking deep breaths through the nose, holding them, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth, could significantly enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation, a technique that entails tensing, holding, and then releasing each muscle group, can be practiced to help reduce muscle stiffness and improve mobility for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- Hand flicks, where the hands are tossed open and closed with energy, can be an effective exercise to improve dexterity and muscle control for individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease, thereby helping manage tremor severity.
