New Findings in Clinical Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease 🥳

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system, gradually impairing a person’s ability to control movement. Symptoms often include muscle stiffness and tremors. While the root cause remains unknown, researchers are uncovering more about the complexities of the condition every year.

Parkinson’s in Numbers

In Norway, approximately 8,000 people live with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Globally, the prevalence is about 200 per million people, with incidence increasing with age.

Two of those living with the condition are Morten Karlsen (56) and Kjell Stokke (75), both of whom have participated in the Parkinson’s program at Myworkout’s Exercise Clinic in Trondheim.

Training as Medicine: The Parkinson’s Program

Kjell Stokke was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 67. By chance, he came across an article in the local paper about the clinic’s unique training-based approach to Parkinson’s rehabilitation — and how they were seeking patients for participation. With his doctor’s referral, he joined the program.

“It felt good to come to Treningsklinikken. Sure, the training was demanding — four sessions a week for four weeks — but I saw real progress in both strength and endurance. It also improved my balance significantly. Walking on the treadmill became easier and more stable.”
— Kjell Stokke (75)

The program consists of four sessions per week, focusing on:

• Strength training (with emphasis on maximum strength and explosive power)
  
  
• Cardiovascular fitness
  
  
• Balance and movement exercises based on everyday tasks
  
  

“The structured setting helped me stay committed. Attendance and results were tracked, which was motivating. Without follow-up, it’s easy to let other things get in the way. I’d love for the clinic to offer a follow-up program after the four weeks — something to keep me accountable.”
— Kjell

What the Research Shows

A study published on August 13, 2020, shows that maximum strength training of the leg extensors (e.g., squats or leg press) and chest muscles (e.g., chest press) improves both muscular power and neuromuscular signaling. This means Parkinson’s patients who undergo such training can improve everyday function — like climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, or walking more steadily.

👉 This is the very research on which Treningsklinikken’s Parkinson program is based.
Read the full study here

A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Approach

“Our outpatient rehab program for Parkinson’s patients includes 3–4 training sessions per week for one month,” says Karen Schei, physiotherapist and exercise physiologist at the clinic.

“We focus on effective endurance and strength training, with emphasis on anti-Parkinsonian movement patterns. Patients also receive outdoor training and educational sessions on the connection between exercise and Parkinson’s. To join the program, patients need a referral from their GP (via RVE) or from a neurologist at St. Olav’s Hospital. Each participant receives a personalized exercise plan and individual follow-up.”
— Karen Schei

After the Clinic: A Challenge for Many

For Kjell, the experience was invaluable — but maintaining his routine afterwards has been tough.

This is a common challenge, Karen explains:

“After completing the program, patients typically feel more confident about exercising and understand how to progress with strength and cardio training. We emphasize quick and explosive movements, long strides, upper body rotation, and arm swings. Some focus more on balance, others on functional movements. For many, being in a gym setting is new — and can be a positive, empowering experience.”

Post-rehab, patients are encouraged to continue training on their own — with fewer sessions, but still based on a foundation of strength and cardio work. Others are advised to join organized programs to receive continued guidance and support.

Looking Ahead

Kjell Stokke plans to request a new referral so he can return to clinic — this time, for more structured follow-up.

Because when it comes to Parkinson’s, exercise really is medicine.

Read the full study: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00208.2020

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