Parkinsons disease PD A progressive neurodegenerative disease that

Parkinson’s disease (PD): • A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the daily lives of over ten million people around the world • Motor symptoms: tremors of the limbs and face, rigidity in the limbs and trunk, bradykinesia, altered gait patterns, and difficulties with balance • Non-motor symptoms: alterations in cognition, gastrointestinal problems, diaphoresis, vision changes, orthostatic hypotension, hallucinations, and delusions. Aerobic exercise: • Running, walking, swimming, cycling, stair climbing, jumping rope, etc. • It involves cardiovascular conditioning. This means that while performing aerobic activity, the breathing in of oxygen allows for increased muscle movement and heart function. • All of these activities allow the body to improve lung function, decrease resting heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease PD symptoms. Issue Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms can become so detrimental in an individual’s everyday life, that activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (Qo. L) are severely affected and decreased. Pharmacological methods cannot reduce or manage the symptoms alone. Purpose Statement The. purpose of this study is to determine whether aerobic exercise is a beneficial adjunct in improving the symptoms of people over forty-five years of age with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease as well as identifying the exact symptoms that aerobic exercise aids in alleviating. The ultimate goal: To contribute to an evidence-based exercise intervention to help develop an optimal rehabilitation plan for individuals with neuropathological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. Research Question Is aerobic exercise a beneficial adjunct for the improvement of motor and non-motor Parkinson symptoms of people over the age of 45 years old? Aerobic Exercise and Its Effects on Parkinson Symptoms for People Over the Age of 45 years Old Methodology Research Design Conceptual Framework This study used an integrative literature review design to further analyze the aerobic exercise effects on motor and non-motor Parkinson symptoms of patients over the age of 45 years old. This study will be guided by Sister Roy’s Adaptation Model because the model sees the patient as a being that reacts positively to the ever-changing environment. Roy’s Adaptation Model suggests that Parkinson symptoms will decrease and life expectancy will increase if individuals successfully adapt and adhere to whichever workout regimen is best-suited for their symptoms. Literature Search Strategies Results 4 motor symptoms were enhanced by aerobic exercise: 3 non-motor symptoms were enhanced by by aerobic exercise: 1) Movement Initiation - Cycling promotes the start of certain body movements needed for exercise 1) Working Memory - Executive function, which includes working memory, seemed to progress in as little as eight weeks with persistent exercise 2) Balance - Treadmill exercises and improvement in postural control. More postural control reduces the risk of falls due to the engagement of the abdominal core. 3) Gait - Exergaming to enhancement in gait stride and speed and stair climbing. Boxing was able to improve gait velocity and endurance 4) Fine motor skills - Exergaming can also enhance fine motor skills and increase grip strength 2) Language - Verbal learning, processing, and fluency are all part of cognitive function, which can be significantly enhanced with the help of cycling for at least eight consistent weeks. 3) Mood/Quality of Life (Qo. L) - Two studies were found to connect ambulation and cycling to reduced depressive symptoms and heightened Qo. L TRIFOLD AREA – THIS GUIDE WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE PRINTING – TRIFOLD Introduction TRIFOLD AREA – THIS GUIDE WILL BE REMOVED BEFORE PRINTING – TRIFOLD Caroline Nguyen Nursing Student De. Paul University School of Nursing Implications • Nurses spend the most time with patients compared to other healthcare workers. It is the role of the nurse to implement the best intervention plan for their patients in order for them to receive optimal treatment for recovery • Nurses need to motivate their patients and push for aerobic exercise to be included in the intervention plan for those with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease Conclusion Although there are limitations with recent research on the matter, it is vital that aerobic exercise is implemented to enhance the Qo. L of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, this integrative literature review allows for patients and healthcare workers to recognize the significance of aerobic exercise and the dire need for it to be further implemented and researched for individuals battling neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. Future Research Although there is a decent amount of research done to evaluate aerobic exercise on Parkinson symptoms, more types of aerobic exercise should be evaluated. Patients could become tired of the same, old routine over and over again and may lose motivation to continue with their exercises. Moreover, varying types of aerobic exercise should be further examined in order to keep exercise consistent.