Exercise physiologist

Exercise physiology is important for people living with Parkinson’s.

Find an accredited, university-qualified professional who can help you take on exercise to improve your health, fitness, and wellbeing.

What do EPs do?

Having an exercise physiologist on your care team can be incredibly beneficial if you have Parkinson’s disease.

Personalised exercise programs

Exercise physiologists are trained to design exercise programs tailored to your specific needs, goals, and preferences. These programs can help manage symptoms such as muscle stiffness, tremors, balance problems, and mobility difficulties.

Improved physical function

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve gait, reduce freezing symptoms, and enhance overall mobility. This can lead to better physical health and reduced risk of falls and injuries.

Mental health benefits

Exercise can also positively impact mental health, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It can also improve confidence and independence, making daily activities easier to manage.

Slowing disease progression

Research suggests that regular exercise is the only thing currently shown in research to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Maintaining fitness levels can potentially delay the worsening of symptoms and maintain a higher quality of life.

Support and motivation

An exercise physiologist can provide ongoing support, motivation, and education to help you stay committed to your exercise routine. They can also monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed to ensure it remains effective.

Why should I see an EP if I have PD?

EPs can then tailor exercise interventions to the specific needs, goals and values of each person living with Parkinson’s to address their specific symptoms.

Maintaining independence

EPs help you maintain their independence by addressing daily living activities with exercises that can help you get up and down out of a chair or bed. They provide strategies to overcome difficulties in tasks that require balance, flexibility and strength.

Home exercises

Exercise physiologists can assist in modifying exercises to do in the home.

Key Statistics

Exercise is second only to medication in terms of effectiveness in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. (2)
Regular exercise can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, strength, and coordination. (3)
Exercise can reduce the risk of falls, which is particularly important for people with Parkinson’s who are more prone to falling. (4)
Exercise has been shown to decrease depression and anxiety, enhance memory, and reduce fatigue. (5)

How do I access an EP?

Accessing accredited exercise physiology services can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s, improving quality of life and maintaining independence. In Australia, you can access exercise physiology services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if you have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and it is in your early intervention plan. This can help cover the costs of sessions with an accredited exercise physiologist.

Including an exercise physiologist in your care team can empower you to take an active role in managing your Parkinson’s disease, leading to improved physical and mental wellbeing. https://clickability.com.au/blog/the-ndis-and-exercise-physiology-how-can-you-access-it/

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your individual needs. Look to:

the peak body, Exercise & Sport Science Association (ESSA) find an EP with Parkinson‘s experience.
There are two types of plans that can be prepared by a General Practitioner (GP) for Chronic Disease Management (CDM): GP Management Plan (GPMP); and Team Care Arrangements (TCAs). If you have a chronic (or terminal) medical condition, your GP may suggest a GPMP. Allied health comes under TCAs.
your state-based Parkinson’s organisation for advice on EPs to access.
private health to see what is covered in relation to EP consultations and expenses.
NDIS or My Aged Care plan supports
Healthstin offers assessment, counseling, and rehab programs across NSW, SA, and VIC.
Contact ESSA to find one near you. https://www.essa.org.au/find-aep

Infosheet kindly reviewed by Exercise & Sports Science Australia

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the nation’s leading voice on exercise and sports science.

References:

(1) Goldman, J. G., Volpe, D., Ellis, T. D., Hirsch, M. A., Johnson, J., Wood, J., Aragon, A., Biundo, R., Di Rocco, A., Kasman, G. S., Iansek, R., Miyasaki, J., McConvey, V. M., Munneke, M., Pinto, S., St Clair, K. A., Toledo, S., York, M. K., Todaro, R., Yarab, N., … Wallock, K. (2024). Delivering Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Care in Parkinson's Disease: An International Consensus Statement. Journal of Parkinson's disease, 14(1), 135–166. https://doi.org/10.3233/JPD-230117

(2) Langeskov-Christensen M, Franzén E, Grøndahl Hvid L, et al. (2024). Exercise as medicine in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry; 95:1077-1088.

(3) Giardini, M., Nardone, A., Godi, M., Guglielmetti, S., Arcolin, I., Pisano, F., & Schieppati, M. (2018). Instrumental or Physical‐Exercise Rehabilitation of Balance Improves Both Balance and Gait in Parkinson’s Disease. Neural plasticity, 2018(1), 5614242.

(4) Shen, X., Wong-Yu, I. S., & Mak, M. K. (2016). Effects of exercise on falls, balance, and gait ability in Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 30(6), 512-527.

(5) Xu, X., Fu, Z., & Le, W. (2019). Exercise and Parkinson's disease. International review of neurobiology, 147, 45-74.