Be Active! for People with Parkinson's Disease

While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease (PD), research available suggests that exercise can help people with Parkinson's disease improve mobility and accomplish daily tasks with greater ease. Studies reveal that people with PD can improve their mobility, flexibility, strength and fitness level with exercise. There is some evidence from animal studies that suggests a potential role of exercise in impacting the progression of the disease.

Benefits of exercise specific for people with Parkinson's disease include:

• Enhanced quality of life
• Easier mobility with day-to-day tasks
• Increased flexibility of the muscles
• Improved motion of the joints
• Decreased stiffness
• Better posture
• Faster movements

The Be Active! Program

The Be Active! program is designed to help people with PD to be active, keep moving and feel good!. The exercises cover strength, mobility and flexibility concerns that are common among people with PD. In addition it covers overcoming barriers to exercise which some may experience at the start of the program and reducing the risk of falls.