10/15/2025
Have you heard of the NEURO NAVIGATORS! If not, then you are in for a treat. This is a podcast that provides a wealth of knowledge.
Episode 18 focuses on: Exercise as Medicine and how we can apply PD specific functional training.
Below are some take aways from the podcast but listen here to learn more: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neuro-navigators-episode-18-exercise-as-medicine-how/id1740841520?i=1000724086294
1. Prioritize Fundamental Motor Control Skills to Support Functional Mobility
● Assess and train these foundational components across varied contexts to support
mobility:
○ Antigravity extension
○ Weight shifting
○ Axial mobility
○ Transitional movements
● Parkinsonʼs-related rigidity and bradykinesia often disrupt these areas. Rigidity, for
example, impairs extension and weight shifting. Observe movement quality during tasks
like transfers or bed mobility to guide treatment.
2. Integrate Motor-Cognitive Challenge and Aerobic Priming Into Treatment
Sessions
● Integrate two evidence-based strategies Bek et al., 2022
○ Aerobic priming before skill practice to heighten focus and learning
○ Motor-cognitive challenge by pairing physical effort with meaningful tasks (e.g.,
mobility drills with object manipulation, visual target naming) to simulate
real-world demands
3. Make Functional Training Goal-Driven, Salient, and FUN
● Use Becky Farleyʼs “FUN-ctionalˮ approach to enhance motivation:
○ Creative cues like “toe to goˮ to support movement strategies
○ Nontraditional positions (e.g., crab walk, kneeling) to build versatility for daily
function
○ Sport-like feedback to reinforce effort and success (“That was your best trial—do
it again!ˮ)
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