World Parkinson’s Day 2025: How exercise therapy empowers people with Parkinson’s disease

Best exercises: Building muscle strength helps people with Parkinson’s perform everyday activities with more ease (Image: Canva)

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder that mainly affects movement, but it can also impact speech, mood, sleep, and even memory. While medications help manage symptoms, they’re not a complete solution.

That’s where exercise movement therapy come to aid, says Bodhisattva Dass, Sports physiotherapist, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers (Odisha-based franchise in the Hockey India League), Bhubaneswar, “People often tend to forget how important and helpful exercise is. It not only boosts physical health but also rewires the brain,” he says.

Dass stresses on the role of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections: “With regular and focused movement, people with Parkinson’s can actually train their brain to function better. Among the techniques gaining attention is LSVT BIG therapy, which uses exaggerated, large-amplitude movements to help people break free of the stiffness and slowness that Parkinson’s brings.”

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Strong muscles mean more independence. These workouts also reduce fatigue and slow physical decline

He also says that these big movements improve motor skills and boost confidence.  “It’s about reminding the body what it is capable of,” he says.

Another critical component, explains Dass, is gait training, which focuses on walking patterns and coordination. “Whether it’s using treadmills or rhythmic auditory cues, this method helps retrain the body for smoother, safer movement. We see big improvements in balance and step length, which directly reduce fall risk, one of the biggest challenges Parkinson’s patients face,” Dass says.

These powerful exercise therapies, suggested by Dass, could show real impact for those with Parkinson’s:

Balance training: Parkinson’s often disrupts the body’s natural sense of balance, making simple movements like turning or standing risky. Balance training uses targeted exercises to improve coordination and stability. Techniques like standing on uneven surfaces, single-leg stances, or using balance boards help retrain the brain to maintain posture and prevent falls.

Stretching and flexibility exercises: Muscle stiffness, especially in the limbs and trunk, can severely limit movement. “Daily stretching routines promote flexibility and help reduce rigidity, making daily tasks like reaching, dressing, or walking easier. Dynamic stretches, foam rolling, and guided mobility drills are often included in therapy sessions” he adds.

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Strength-building workouts: Building muscle strength helps people with Parkinson’s perform everyday activities with more ease. Resistance training, using bands, light weights, or body weight, can target key muscle groups to support posture, mobility, and endurance. “Strong muscles mean more independence. These workouts also reduce fatigue and slow physical decline,” Dass suggests.

Aerobic exercises: Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or even water aerobics get the heart pumping, which supports brain health and physical stamina. Aerobic workouts not only boost energy levels but also improve coordination and reduce symptoms like depression or anxiety that often accompany Parkinson’s. Experts suggest at least 20–30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio a few times a week.

Dance therapy: Dance can be a structured yet expressive way to improve timing, movement flow, and spatial awareness. Whether it’s tango, waltz, or contemporary, dance therapy has been linked to better gait, balance, and even emotional well-being. “When people move to music, they forget they’re even exercising,” Dass says.

Virtual reality-based movement therapy: Using VR headsets or motion-sensing platforms, people can engage in simulated environments that guide movement and challenge coordination. From reaching to catch virtual objects to steering through mazes, VR makes therapy interactive and motivating. It’s effective for reinforcing correct movement patterns and stimulating cognitive function alongside physical activity.

Yoga: It blends slow, controlled movements with breathing and mindfulness. It’s gentle on joints but powerful for improving flexibility, posture, and stress management. Many with Parkinson’s find relief in yoga’s grounding approach, which helps them stay centered both physically and mentally.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.