Alberts and Rosenfeldt outlined the benefits of aerobic exercise for a patient with Parkinson's Disease. They also provided a prescription for aerobic exercise. The authors are from the Cleveland Clinic.
Patient selection: Parkinson's disease
Aerobic prescription:
(1) 3 times per week
(2) 30 to 40 minutes for the main exercise set
(3) (60 to 80% of heart rate reserve) OR (70-85% of heart rate max) OR (14-17 on a 20-point Borg RPE scale)
Characteristics of a patient likely to show improved symptoms with exercise: greater cadence, heart rate compliance and shorter disease duration.
Concerns when planning program:
(1) fall risk
(2) comorbid conditions
(3) deconditioning
A patient without symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic and renal disease (and pulmonary disease) can start exercise without medical clearance. A medical clearance should be obtained for those with symptoms.
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