There’s growing evidence that regular exercise may hold benefits for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Today, Shots, NPR’s health news blog, published an article discussing the positive impact exercise has had on Parkinson’s patients. In fact, many people are opting for unique forms of exercise to help them get up and moving.

Mike Quaglia, highlighted in the NPR piece, participates in a program called Rock Steady Boxing, which teaches people living with PD how to box. He notes that on days he boxes, he can go twice as long without his next dose of medication.

Other forms of exercise gaining popularity among PD patients include drumming, Latin dancing and Tai Chi. The article also notes the ongoing research into why exercise may help symptoms:

“Scientists are trying to figure out just how exercise can counter the effects of Parkinson's and possibly even prevent it. Among more than 43,000 Swedes followed for nearly 13 years, the risk of Parkinson's was almost cut in half for those who engaged in moderate levels of exercise.”

For more information on the connection between exercise and PD, watch MJFF’s recent webinar: “The Exercise Rx.”