Exercises for People with Parkinson's Disease

Top exercises for Parkinson's Disease

Exercising regularly not only helps Parkinson's patients have better control of their body but can also slow progression of the disease. Pictured here is Ms Shaminian Balakrishnan, a physiotherapist from Singapore General Hospital with a patient.

Top exercises for Parkinson's Disease

1. To improve balance

2. To improve flexibility

3. To improve strength

4. To move easier

5. To improve mobility

Ms Shaminian Balakrishnan, Physiotherapist from the Department of Physiotherapy at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group, demonstrates exercises which people with Parkinson’s can do twice daily to improve mobility.

Sit upright on the edge of a chair. Straighten one leg, keeping the heel on the ground. Bend from the hip, keeping the back and knee straight, and touch the toes. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the left. Do five sets.

Stand up straight, and hold a stick horizontally in front of you. Without bending the elbows or moving the legs, turn 90 degrees to one side, then the other. Repeat 15 times.

Stand with feet slightly apart. Raise both hands, with thumbs pointing up, reaching as high as possible. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 15 times.

Sit up straight. Place hands at side of head with all digits facing back. Stretch elbows apart and as far back as possible. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat five times.

Stand in front of a low step. Keeping weight supported on left leg, lift right foot onto the step, holding on to a firm support if necessary. Repeat on the other side. Do 10 sets.

SingHealth would like to thank the Parkinson Society Singapore (PSS) for their support in the production of these videos.