Parkinson's Program

Powerful Parkinson’s Program 

At Allied Therapy Network our Powerful Parkinson’s Program includes: 


  • Tailored Occupational Therapy assessment, education, goal setting and home exercise prescription. 
  • An evidence-based group exercise class, developed specifically to meet the needs of participants with Parkinson’s Disease. The exercise class runs for 1 hour weekly and is facilitated by an Occupational Therapist with targeted skills/training and an Allied Health Assistant. 


A wide body of research supports the use of exercise to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Targeted exercise has been shown to improve mobility, daily living skills, quality of life and symptom management for people with Parkinson’s Disease. 

"Participants in our classes have also reported benefits in mood and motivation from weekly interactions with a group of peers, who provide a support network and a sense of community."

According to recent research by Tucak et al (2023) participating in a weekly schedule of high intensity, Parkinson’s specific exercises can: 

 

  • Improve motor skills and agility – as balance and coordination improves, overall mobility is improved and risk of falls is reduced. 
  • Increase muscle strength – building muscle strength can combat muscle stiffness and postural changes commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease. 
  • Enhance cognitive function – aerobic exercise has been linked to improvements in processing speed, memory and planning, particularly when cognitive dual tasking is incorporated into sessions. 
  • Elevate mood – exercise is known to boost mood and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. 
  • Slow progression of symptoms – targeted exercise has been demonstrated improve motor performance, slow Parkinson’s Disease progression and delay the need for increasing drug treatment. The PPP uses evidence-based Parkinson’s specific neuroactive exercises that help rewire the brain toward improvements in the way participants move, think and feel. 
  • Increase energy levels – by decreasing fatigue and boosting motivation. 

If you would like to join our Powerful Parkinson’s Group, complete our online referral form today! 

 

References: 

McConaghy M. The New Parkinson's Treatment: Exercise Is Medicine. Revised Edition. Cammeray, NSW: Simon & Schuster; 2018. 

 

Tucak C, Hujin C, Mastaglia F, Rodrigues J. The ‘PD Warrior’ exercise program improves motor outcomes and quality of life in patients with early Parkinson’s disease: results of a pilot study. International Medicine Journal 2023; https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.16301 

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