Exercise and Medication in Parkinson’s: Why Both Are Essential for Slowing Progression

The Best Results Come from a Combined Approach

Parkinson’s symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness can make everyday life harder. You might rely on medication to stay mobile—but what if it’s not enough on its own? What if the most powerful way to fight back is a combination?

At Exercise Matters in Noosaville, we support people living with Parkinson’s through tailored Exercise Physiology programs that work with their medications. Research shows that combining medication and targeted exercise slows disease progression more effectively than either strategy alone.

Understanding Parkinson’s Treatment

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder caused by reduced dopamine levels. It’s typically treated with medications such as:

• Levodopa (Sinemet)

• Dopamine agonists (e.g. Pramipexole)

• MAO-B inhibitors (e.g. Rasagiline)

These medications help control symptoms like tremors and rigidity—but they don’t stop the disease from progressing.

That’s where exercise comes in.

Why Combine Medication with Exercise?

1. Medication Addresses Chemistry, Exercise Targets Function

Medications restore brain chemistry. Exercise improves strength, balance, mobility, and coordination—factors that influence independence and quality of life.

2. Exercise Enhances Medication Effectiveness

Regular physical activity improves dopamine receptor sensitivity and reduces medication side effects like dyskinesia.

Evidence:

• A 2022 meta-analysis by Mak et al. found that exercise improved both motor symptoms and medication response in people with Parkinson’s.

• The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends combining medication with exercise for better management of freezing, fatigue, and function.

  
  

3. Together, They Slow Progression

• Medications manage symptoms.

• Exercise promotes neuroplasticity and delays disability.

This dual approach results in fewer complications, greater physical capacity, and improved cognitive resilience.

How Exercise Matters Builds Personalised Parkinson’s Plans

Our clinic doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all program. While we don’t run PD Warrior classes, our team incorporates evidence-based principles inspired by PD Warrior into our individualised Exercise Physiology sessions.

What We Include:

• Neuro-active drills for reaction time, agility, and posture

• Functional strength and gait training

• Dual-task exercises to challenge brain-body coordination

• Cueing and rhythm-based stepping drills

• Targeted cardiovascular training for fatigue and mood

  
  

Why Our Clients Choose Us:

• 1-on-1 programs tailored to your symptoms, medication timing, and goals

• Clinical tracking of strength, balance, and mobility

• Communication with neurologists and other providers

• Flexible scheduling to align with optimal medication times

What About PD Warrior?

PD Warrior is a well-known high-intensity exercise program for early-stage Parkinson’s. While we don’t offer the branded program at our clinic, we:

• Share similar principles of neuroplasticity, intensity, and functional retraining

• Use components of PD Warrior movements in individualised formats

• Offer similar benefits in a more personalised, adaptable format

Searching for PD Warrior near me? Many of our clients find they benefit more from a tailored one-on-one Exercise Physiology plan designed around their needs, medications, and current abilities.

Case Study: Lesley, 63, Using Exercise and Levodopa

Lesley had been on Levodopa for 2 years, but was still struggling with turning, stiffness in the morning, and fatigue by afternoon. We adjusted her exercise sessions to match her medication timing.

After 8 weeks:

• Her 10-metre walk test time improved by 17%

• She reported fewer freezing episodes in the morning

• Her fatigue levels reduced, and she resumed regular walking with her husband

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I exercise before or after taking Parkinson’s medication?

This depends on your symptom pattern. We often align exercise with peak medication windows to ensure safety and maximise outcomes.

2. Do I need PD Warrior to benefit from exercise?

No. While PD Warrior is a useful model, the key is how you train—intensity, consistency, and individualisation matter most.

3. Is high-intensity exercise safe?

Yes—with clinical supervision. Many Parkinson’s clients benefit from bursts of effort with rest and cueing, similar to interval training.

4. Can I start exercise if I’ve had Parkinson’s for many years?

Absolutely. We adjust programs for all stages of Parkinson’s to meet you where you are.

5. Do you work with my neurologist?

Yes. We can provide reports and updates to your neurologist or GP to support collaborative care and NDIS reviews.

Start Your Integrated Parkinson’s Plan Today

At Exercise Matters, we combine science-backed exercise prescription with medication timing to help you get the best results from both. Let us guide you toward better movement, confidence, and quality of life.

📞 Call (07) 5448 3532

🌐 www.exercisematters.healthcare

References:

• Mak MKY et al. (2022). Effects of exercise and medication on Parkinson’s symptoms. J Neurol Sci.

• Parkinson’s Foundation (2021). Combining Medication and Exercise. www.parkinson.org.

• Petzinger GM et al. (2013). Exercise-enhanced neuroplasticity in Parkinson’s. Lancet Neurol.

• Allen NE et al. (2017). Exercise for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. Mov