The effect of exercise on balance: Emphasis on women diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

The motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease include tremors, dyskinesis, rigidity, and posture and gait abnormalities. The incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of the disease are lower in women compared to men, possibly due to the neuroprotective role of estrogen. Aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercise protocols may be effective at improving the functional limitations, including balance, that are a result of the inherent pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. Resistance exercise that targets lower torso, pelvic and leg muscles elicits strength changes that allows for better control of posture and balance, thereby potentially lessening chronic fatigue and preventing falls.