HIIT Training for Parkinson’s Disease (High Intensity Interval Training)

November 12, 2024

“HIIT Training” (aka High Intensity Interval Training) is one of the best things people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can do to slow the progression of the disease.

In fact, there’s even evidence that HIIT Training, combined with functional exercise can STOP and even reverse the progression of Parkinson’s!

In this video, listen to Sharon (left) and Hannah (right) explain why HIIT Training is so important for people with Parkinson’s Disease, as well as how we use it to help our patients with PD at the clinic.

Here are some of the highlights to the video:

->> Using a recumbent bike is a great option, in addition to a treadmill, elliptical, arm bike or fast pole-walking as other HIIT options

->> On the bike, here’s our routine: 5 minute warm-up, 15 rounds of 15:45 ratio (high intensity to baseline intensity ratio), 5 minute cool-down

->> HIIT Training helps your brain to produce its own dopamine before functional exercises and improves your brain’s ability to improve and retain functional movements

->> The level of intensity is key to your brain releasing dopamine HIIT Training helps reduce stiffness and rigidity, especially before PWRMoves!

->> Cardiovascular health is often overlooked for people with PD, but the benefits are many: reducing oxidative stress, removing toxins from the brain, improved endorphins in the brain (happy hormones), reduced depression

We hope this video helps you or a loved one STOP the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and even possibly regain some function as well!

Make sure to check out our upcoming video on PWRMoves! as well.

And if you live in our area and would like more information about working with our therapists, please call the clinic at (509) 892-5442 or visit this website: https://physicaltherapyspokane.com/parkinsons-disease-treatment/

– Luke Gordon, DPT