Why should you see an AEP if you have Parkinson’s

Exercise physiology is an important component of your care team that helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms. An accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified professional who designs personalised exercise programs to improve health, fitness, and overall wellbeing. AEPs tailor exercise interventions to the specific needs, goals, and values of each person living with Parkinson’s. By addressing symptoms such as muscle stiffness, tremors, and balance problems, AEPs help you maintain independence and improve your ability to perform daily activities.

You’ll receive a program tailored to your condition, goals, and preferences:

  • Exercises are clinically designed to address both motor and non-motor symptoms
  • AEPs can help with specific tasks, such as improving your ability to get up from a chair or move safely around the home
  • Programs are progressive, helping you maintain physical and mental function over the long term.

What do AEPs do?

Accredited exercise physiologists are trained to design individualised plans that can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms like muscle stiffness, tremors, postural instability, and gait difficulties. By addressing these issues, AEPs can significantly improve your physical mobility, confidence and quality of life.

  • Improved physical function: Targeted, regular exercise has been shown to improve gait, reduce freezing symptoms, and enhance balance and mobility. These improvements are critical to maintaining independence and reducing the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. AEPs focus on exercises that strengthen key muscle groups, helping you maintain independence, perform daily activities more easily and promote safe movement.
  • Support for digestive health: Constipation is a frequent non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s. Exercise promotes gut motility by stimulating blood flow and muscle activity in the digestive tract. AEPs can recommend exercises such as walking, cycling, or gentle core work to support healthy digestion and reduce constipation.
  • Sleep, fatigue, & Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Regular exercise helps regulate your body’s internal clock, leading to better quality sleep at night. This means you’re more likely to sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed, and experience fewer feelings of fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Exercise also releases endorphins, which can lift your mood and energy levels, making you feel more alert during the day. AEPs design programs that consider your fatigue levels and help you find the right balance between activity and rest.
  • Mental health benefits: Physical activity is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and support your brain health. These benefits can also extend to better focus and cognitive (memory and thinking) function. AEPs can incorporate strategies to challenge both the body and mind.
  • Slowing Parkinson’s progression: Research suggests that regular exercise is the only intervention currently shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Maintaining or improving your fitness levels can potentially delay the worsening of symptoms and help you maintain independence for a higher quality of life.
  • Support & motivation: One of the greatest benefits of working with an accredited exercise physiologist is having ongoing support, motivation, and education to help you stay committed to your exercise routine. Your AEP will monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed to ensure it remains effective. This support is crucial for maintaining consistency and achieving long-term benefits for your particular goals.

How do I access an AEP?

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your needs. Contact ESSA to find one near you: https://www.essa.org.au/find-aep

This information was adapted from the Exercise infohub page: https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/exercise/

Other resources: 

Dance for Parkinson’s Australia www.danceforparkinsonsaustralia.org

Exercise is Medicine Australia www.exerciseismedicine.org.au

Exercise Right www.exerciseright.com.au

Find an Accredited Exercise Physiologist www.essa.org.au

PingPongParkinson’s https://www.pingpongparkinson.com.au/

U-Turn for Parkinson’s https://uturnparkinsons.org/

Young Onset Parkinson’s Exchange exercise playlist 

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