Release from the Parkinson’s Foundation and American College of Sports Medicine
NEW YORK & MIAMI —The Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organization, today announced updated recommendations to provide safe and effective guidance on exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The updated exercise recommendations were published following extensive review from subject matter experts, as well as members of the PD community who actively use the recommendations.
“The Parkinson’s Foundation is committed to ensuring that individuals with Parkinson’s disease receive the most current and effective guidance for exercise, which is why we meticulously reviewed our exercise recommendations after three years to integrate valuable insights from the community and professionals,” said John L. Lehr, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “We are proud to continue our partnership with ACSM and provide people living with PD important guidance on staying active and living well with the disease.”
Ensuring the PD community receives safe and effective exercise programs is a critical focus for the Parkinson’s Foundation, as establishing early and consistent exercise habits are important components of managing the disease. Studies have found that people with PD who exercise experience greater benefits in quality of life, improve symptoms of the disease, and improve endurance, strength, balance and mobility compared to those who do not exercise. Exercise also helps in improving Parkinson’s symptoms like, depression, constipation and thinking skills. The updated recommendations, which incorporate extensive feedback and expert insights, will further support better health outcomes and quality of life.
“Exercise is essential to living well with Parkinson’s disease,” said Katie Feltman, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of ACSM. “We’re proud to partner with the Parkinson’s Foundation on updated, evidence-based recommendations that support safe, effective, and sustainable physical activity for people with Parkinson’s.”
Updates were the result of a strategic review that assessed whether the current recommendations resonated effectively and if they presented any confusion with people living with PD. Discussions revealed that the most significant need for changes were centered on time management, dose and intensity of exercise and adaptations based on disease progression. The new updates emphasize intentional exercise and creative approaches across four domains: aerobic activity, strength training, stretching and balance/agility/multitasking. Overall, updates aim to make exercise more accessible and sustainable for individuals with Parkinson’s.
These revised Parkinson’s exercise recommendations underscore the Foundation’s commitment to providing evidence-based resources that empower individuals with Parkinson’s to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
For more information or resources, available in both English and Spanish, visit Parkinson.org/Exercise Professionals.
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About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $513 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
About the American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 members and certified professionals in more than 100 countries. Together, ACSM is committed to the mission of educating and empowering professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance. ACSM advocates for legislation to help the government and health community make physical activity a priority. Visit acsm.org to learn more.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting more than one million Americans, Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., trouble sleeping, loss of smell and depression). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
