Updated Exercise Guidelines for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

April 8, 2022

In 2020, the Parkinson’s Foundation met with a group of experts on Parkinson’s Disease, physical therapy, and exercise to update exercise guidelines for individuals with the progressive neurological condition. The guidelines were established to ensure that individuals with Parkinson’s are receiving safe and effective program instructions and continue to maintain or improve their health through physical activity.

The guidelines shared below were built upon existing exercise guidelines, physical therapy resources, Parkinson’s Disease-specific exercise research, and expert opinion. They address recommended frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercises across four domains: aerobic, strengthening, flexibility, and balance.

The Helen Hayes Hospital Outpatient Neurology Center offers innovative treatment programs for patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Atypical Parkinsonism. Our Outpatient Parkinson’s Disease treatment program addresses both motor and non-motor symptoms, including slowness and smallness of movement, rigidity, tremors, impaired balance and coordination, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and pain. Learn more about the program HERE.