Parkinson's Disease-Specific Exercise Protocols Flashcards

Which PWR! Move is specifically designed to address the truncal flexion posture commonly seen in Parkinson's disease?

Answer: PWR!Twist

PWR!Twist targets trunk rotation and extension, directly counteracting the forward-flexed posture characteristic of Parkinson's disease.

In Parkinson's disease exercise programming, what is the primary rationale for incorporating high-amplitude movements?

Answer: To recalibrate sensorimotor pathways that are impaired by dopamine deficiency

High-amplitude movements in PWR and LSVT BIG programs recalibrate the sensorimotor system because PD impairs the internal sense of movement size, causing patients to consistently undershoot.

A client with Parkinson's disease demonstrates festination during gait. Which exercise strategy is MOST appropriate to address this symptom?

Answer: Using auditory rhythmic cueing with a metronome

Auditory rhythmic cueing (metronome or music) provides an external rhythm that helps override the disrupted internal timing mechanisms causing festination in PD.

What is the recommended exercise intensity range for aerobic training in individuals with Parkinson's disease to potentially achieve neuroprotective effects?

Answer: 70–80% of heart rate reserve

Research suggests aerobic exercise at 70–80% of heart rate reserve may promote BDNF release and neuroprotective effects in Parkinson's disease.

Which dual-task training approach is MOST appropriate for an individual in Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2 Parkinson's disease?

Answer: Begin with simple cognitive tasks paired with stationary exercises before progressing to walking

Dual-task training should be introduced progressively, starting with simple cognitive tasks during stationary exercise before adding the challenge of ambulation.

A PWR! Moves therapist is working with a client who has difficulty initiating movement. Which technique is MOST evidence-based for addressing akinesia?

Answer: Attentional strategies with visual or auditory cues

Attentional strategies using external visual or auditory cues help bypass the impaired basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop that causes akinesia in PD.

When prescribing resistance training for a person with Parkinson's disease, which approach best supports both motor function and neuroplasticity?

Answer: High load, low repetition training at 70–80% 1RM

High-load resistance training at 70–80% of 1RM has demonstrated superior improvements in strength, motor function, and BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity in PD populations.