An Important Message about Exercise from PASD’s Medical Advisory Director

Dear Parkinson’s Community:

As movement disorders clinicians we repeatedly emphasize the concept of “exercise as medicine” in the context of Parkinson’s disease. Indeed, considering all the clinical research evaluating medicines and other treatments over the years, the only intervention that has been shown to slow the clinical worsening of PD over time is regular exercise. In addition, countless persons with Parkinson’s disease will tell you that their symptoms, both motor and non-motor, are better relieved when they stick to their exercise regimen. The short term and long term benefits of exercise are well-established in the scientific literature.

We recommend a routine of aerobic exercise for 45-60 minutes, at least 3-4 times per week. It does seem that activities that raise one’s heart and breathing rate are more powerful in this respect than solely walking at a leisurely pace, so if your health permits we recommend you explore these activities. At this point no specific exercise modality (boxing class, dance, Tai Chi, weight training, jogging, swimming, bicycling, high-intensity interval training, etc) has been proven to be superior to others – so we recommend that you choose activities that you enjoy and are thus likely to keep doing every week.

Below we have compiled a list (by no means comprehensive) of resources for PD-focused exercise classes in the community. Many offer both in-person and online options.

Brenton Wright, MD
Medical Advisory Director, PASD
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego

Exercise Opportunities

Cerebral Motion

Phone: 858-248-6828
Email: mickey@cerebralmotion.com
Categories: Exercise Opportunities
Location: County-Wide

CEREBRAL MOTION: Using exercise to retrain the body, improve quality of life, slow progression, and regain independence.

Mickey brings with him clinical and research experience from his time spent with the UCSD Movement Disorder Center, specializing in cognition. Mickey graduated from SDSU with a Master of Science in Kinesiology, where his area of study has focused on the gait and balance of individuals with Parkinson Disease.

Mickey incorporates mindfulness and cognitive engagement in addition to being certified in Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!), Rock Steady Boxing, and Brian Grant Foundation Exercise for Parkinson Training.

Mickey offers one-on-one wellness sessions and group classes located in Rancho Bernardo. As well as in-home concierge services throughout San Diego county.

Cerebral Motion

CEREBRAL MOTION: Using exercise to retrain the body, improve quality...