MOVE HIT increases exercise opportunities in Bristol for people with Parkinson's

Our Parkinson’s
and other Movement Disorders (MOVE) Health Integration Team’s (HIT) patient and
public involvement (PPI) group has worked with Parkinson’s UK to develop
training sessions about the condition for exercise providers in the Bristol
area.

The sessions
helped over 25 providers to understand how best to work with people with
Parkinson’s.

From tennis
lessons to personal training and yoga to Nordic walking, people with
Parkinson’s in Bristol now have even better access to a variety of exercise
opportunities provided by people with a good understanding of their needs.

Exercise can help
people with Parkinson’s manage physical symptoms, as well as improving sleep,
mood and mental health. Research has shown that increasing physical activity to at least
2.5 hours a week can slow the progression of symptoms.

Tailoring
exercise opportunities to make them safe for the person with Parkinson’s and suitable
for their condition is vital to help people realise these benefits.

All providers
who took part in the training, and details of the support they provide can be
found on the Parkinson’s UK Bristol Branch website.

“As
I represent the MOVE HIT and sit on the committee of the Bristol and District
branch of Parkinson’s UK, my remit has been to ensure a broad portfolio of
activities are available for people with Parkinson’s of all abilities. I could
not think of a better way to ensure a good standard of provision for people
with Parkinson’s, and enable networking and sharing of best practice, than to
have Parkinson’s UK support and recognise the local activities through Neil’s
workshop,” said Nic Mortensen,
Chair of the MOVE HIT Patient and Public Involvement Group.

Neil Smart, Area
Development Manager (West), Parkinson’s UK said: “There is evidence
that taking up some form of exercise can increase your overall health and
wellbeing if you have Parkinson’s. There are so many opportunities for exercise
in the wider community and it is really encouraging to see that there are
providers willing to support. By increasing their knowledge and
understanding of the needs of people living with Parkinson’s, we hope to
encourage more opportunities for people to take up regular forms of
exercise – from swimming to dance to yoga to Nordic walking.”

There is more
general information about Parkinson’s and exercise on the Parkinson’s UK website.