Exercise Physiology
How Exercise Physiology Supports Neurological Conditions
Exercise physiology is essential for supporting individuals with neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, and Stroke. Tailored exercise programs can significantly improve mobility, manage symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologist focuses on a range of different modes of exercise to assist:
- Strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Core stability
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Proactive management of symptoms (spasm, fatigue, continence)
- Your functional goals eg getting in/out of car, climbing stairs, walking speed or endurance
Research shows that regular exercise can improve walking speed and balance in people with MS by up to 30%, while also reducing fatigue and enhancing mental well-being. There is also accumulating evidence indicating a reduction in relapses in people with relapsing-remitting MS slowing the disability progressions and possible disease modifying effects.
Parkinson’s Disease
Early intervention is vital for slowing the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. Exercise has been proven to improve motor function, gait, and overall mobility in individuals with Parkinson’s.
Key areas we focus on include:
- Movement coordination
- Fatigue management
- Balance
- Cognition
- Core stability
- Flexibility and posture
- Gait retraining
- Pain management
- Your functional goals eg getting in/out of car, climbing stairs, walking speed or endurance
Research shows that exercise improves gait (walking), postural stability, balance and reduces frequency of falls. Specific exercise can assist with cognitive and dual task ability. Mental health and quality of life improvements are seen in people with Parkinson’s who exercise regularly.
Cerebral Palsy
Exercise is crucial for people with cerebral palsy, helping maintain mobility, flexibility, and strength, while also preventing injuries and improving psychological health.
Our programs target:
- Balance and coordination
- Flexibility
- Strength and posture
- Pain and fatigue management
- Gait retraining
- Functional skills training
The primary goal is to make movement more efficient, enabling individuals to perform daily activities with greater ease. Research shows that structured exercise programs can improve muscle strength and gait in individuals with cerebral palsy. Mental health gains of physical activity may also benefit those with cerebral palsy.
Stroke Rehabilitation
Exercise is fundamental for stroke recovery, as it can help rebuild strength, coordination, and independence. Post-stroke rehabilitation focuses on regaining functional movement and improving overall health.
Key focus areas include:
- Gait retraining
- Balance and coordination
- Strength building
- Posture correction
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Fatigue management
- Functional skills training
Research has shown that stroke patients who participate in structured exercise programs see an improvement in functional independence, upper limb function, improved quality of life, cognitive benefits and reduction in both the risk of stroke recurrence and future stroke complications.
How Can We Help with Neurological Conditions?
Your rehabilitation journey begins with a detailed assessment by our Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Nicole, who specialises in neurological and chronic conditions. The assessment includes an analysis of:
- Strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Mobility
- Postural and core stability
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Functional tasks and daily activities
- Your goals
- Your medical history
From this, we’ll create a personalized rehabilitation plan designed specifically for your needs; this may include exercise in a variety of modes (aerobic, strength, aquatic, balance etc) and with additional challenges suited to your goals eg functional tasks, dual tasking.
Our individualised programs aim to:
- Improve coordination and gait
- Enhance strength and endurance
- Manage pain and fatigue
- Boost quality of life and performance of daily activities
We also offer group classes specifically for individuals with neurological or chronic conditions. These classes focus on improving movement, reducing pain, and enhancing overall health and well-being.
Why Exercise Matters for Neurological Conditions
- Reduction in fall risk: Exercise improves balance and stability.
- Improvement in quality of life: Exercise boosts mental and physical well-being.
- Improved muscle strength: Strengthening programs reduce pain and build endurance.
- Pain reduction: Regular exercise alleviates pain and stiffness.
- Improvement in functional independence: Structured exercise enhances mobility and daily functioning.
How Can We Help With Hidden Conditions like Fibromyalgia, CRPS, and POTS?
Your rehabilitation journey begins with a thorough assessment by one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists, who specialise in managing chronic and hidden conditions like fibromyalgia, CRPS, and POTS. The assessment includes an analysis of:
- Strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Mobility
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Daily activities / functional tasks
- Medical history
- Your goals
From this, we’ll create a personalized rehabilitation program tailored to your unique needs.
Our programs aim to:
- Reduce pain and manage fatigue
- Improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness
- Enhance coordination and balance
- Reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being
We also offer group classes designed specifically for individuals with chronic conditions, providing a supportive environment for improving movement, reducing pain, and boosting overall health.
Why Exercise Matters for Hidden Conditions
- Pain reduction: Regular exercise can decrease pain and improve overall mobility.
- Improved cardiovascular function: Exercise enhances heart rate variability, especially in conditions like POTS.
- Increased strength and endurance: Strength training helps individuals with fibromyalgia and CRPS build stamina and reduce pain. Improvements in leg muscle strength help feed blood back towards the heart for POTS.
- Better sleep quality: Exercise has been shown to improve sleep, which is often disrupted by these conditions.
- Enhanced mood and mental health: Regular physical activity can alleviate the psychological effects of chronic pain, such as depression and anxiety.
Not sure which program suits your needs? Contact us today, and we’ll guide you to the right treatment or class to support your rehabilitation journey.
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