Oefeningen bij Parkinson — SPARX-trial + LSVT BIG

Parkinson's exercise programming has changed dramatically in the last decade. The 2018 SPARX (Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise) trial by Schenkman et al. showed that high-intensity treadmill training (80-85% maximum heart rate, 4 days/week, 6 months) reduced motor symptom progression compared to moderate-intensity training — the first solid evidence that exercise INTENSITY modifies the disease, not just symptoms. The LSVT BIG framework (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, the BIG version for movement) is the standard evidence-based physical-therapy approach — whole-body amplitude training that addresses the hypokinesia (small-movement bias) characteristic of Parkinson's. Dance therapy (especially tango) and non-contact boxing programs (Rock Steady Boxing) have RCT-grade evidence for balance, gait, and mood. Forced exercise — moving faster than the self-selected comfortable pace — appears specifically neuroprotective via BDNF release.

Volya's catalogue carries balance + gait + mobility moves that align with the LSVT BIG approach: slow-arm-swing-walk and standing-march for cardio with big arm swings (LSVT BIG amplitude), single-leg-stance and tandem-stance and heel-to-toe-walk for the balance protocol that addresses Parkinson's fall risk, sit-to-stand for functional strength + the eccentric control that addresses bradykinesia, cat-cow for spinal mobility against axial rigidity, and scapular-retraction for the forward-flexed posture that develops over time. The AI coach also knows the nutrition side — levodopa timing with protein (large protein doses near medication reduce absorption — separation rule applies), Mediterranean pattern, constipation management (fibre 25-35 g + 2-3 L hydration, often psyllium added), weight-maintenance attention (unexplained loss worsens prognosis), omega-3 (algae for vegans), vitamin D test-first, alcohol limit, B-vitamins (homocysteine elevation associated with Parkinson's). This page is informational — work with your movement-disorders neurologist and a Parkinson's-specialised physical therapist for the full plan.