Movement for People with Neurological Conditions

What is a neurological condition?

A neurological condition refers to any disorder, injury, or disease affecting the nervous system. Our nervous system consists of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to connect with our muscles). When something goes wrong or damage occurs anywhere along this pathway—from the brain to the innervation of the muscles—we refer to it as a neurological condition.

Broadly, these conditions can be divided into two groups. Firstly, there are neurodegenerative conditions. These are progressive by nature, as certain nerve cells degenerate and gradually die off. Examples of such conditions include Parkinson’s disease, ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s disease, and others.

Secondly, there are non-neurodegenerative conditions. These involve injuries to the nervous system that are not progressive in nature and can result from events like a stroke, trauma, or a space-occupying process (e.g., a tumour). Depending on the exact location and extent of the injury, individuals may experience motor difficulties (e.g., loss of strength, balance issues) as well as challenges with speech, vision, sensory processing, planning, or memory.

For both groups, staying physically active and engaging in regular movement is incredibly important! Read on to find out why.

Why is Movement Important for People with Neurological Conditions?

Scientific studies highlight the neuroprotective role of movement and an active lifestyle. This means that the better your physical fitness and the more you move, the slower the degeneration of nerve cells, ultimately decelerating the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, movement supports the growth of new nerve cells in specific areas of the brain, such as those crucial for memory [1][2][3].

One mechanism explaining this neuroprotective effect is the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Often referred to as the “growth hormone” of nerve cells, BDNF promotes cell survival, enhances learning, and protects against degeneration. People who are more physically active tend to have higher levels of BDNF [4][5].

Movement has also been shown to boost neuroplasticity [6]. Neuroplasticity refers to the adaptability of our nervous system—the ability to grow, change, and reorganise in response to circumstances or potential injuries. For instance, if one part of the brain is injured, other areas can adapt to take over its functions, ensuring optimal performance. You can read more about why movement benefits mental health and brain function in our blog, The Neurophysiology Behind Physical Activity.

Of course, regular exercise and movement naturally lead to stronger muscles, improved mobility, and better overall fitness [7,8]. These benefits make daily activities easier, whether it’s getting up from a chair, walking to the local bakery, or carrying shopping bags. The fitter you are, the less impact your condition will have, enabling you to maintain greater independence!

Are There Benefits to Exercising in a Group?

It can be challenging for any of us to find the motivation and discipline to stay active amidst the busyness of daily life. For individuals with neurological conditions, which are often chronic or long-term, this can be an even greater hurdle. That’s why it is so important to find a sport or activity that you genuinely enjoy and find fulfilling.

Additionally, the social interaction and supportive environment of a group setting can make a significant difference in maintaining motivation. Research shows that people often experience more enjoyment from group exercise activities and are more likely to stick with them over the long term [9, 10, 11].

Conclusion

Physical activity plays a vital neuroprotective role and has a positive impact on both our physical and mental well-being. Group exercise further enhances these benefits by fostering social interaction and providing a motivating, supportive environment.

At Waves, movement and inclusion are key core values. That’s why we offer a high-quality group class specifically tailored for individuals with neurological conditions: Let’s Move Neuro!

Would you like to learn more about these classes? Be sure to visit our website for more information.

Author:
Edith Lookman
Physiotherapist at Waves

Sources:

[1]  Vecchio LM, Meng Y, Xhima K, Lipsman N, Hamani C, Aubert I. The Neuroprotective Effects of Exercise: Maintaining a Healthy Brain Throughout Aging. Brain Plast. 2018 Dec 12;4(1):17-52. doi: 10.3233/BPL-180069. PMID: 30564545; PMCID: PMC6296262.

[2] Cabral DF, Rice J, Morris TP, Rundek T, Pascual-Leone A, Gomes-Osman J. Exercise for Brain Health: An Investigation into the Underlying Mechanisms Guided by Dose. Neurotherapeutics. 2019 Jul;16(3):580-599. doi: 10.1007/s13311-019-00749-w. PMID: 31197642; PMCID: PMC6694330.

[3] Xiaojiao Xu, Zhenfa Fu, Weidong Le. Chapter Two – Exercise and Parkinson’s disease. International Review of Neurobiology, Academic Press, Volume 147, 2019, Pages 45-74,

[4] Szuhany KL, Bugatti M, Otto MW. A meta-analytic review of the effects of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor. J Psychiatr Res. 2015;60:56–64. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.10.003.

[5] Hirsch MA, van Wegen EEH, Newman MA, Heyn PC. Exercise-induced increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in human Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Neurodegener. 2018 Mar 20;7:7. doi: 10.1186/s40035-018-0112-1. PMID: 29568518; PMCID: PMC5859548.

[6] Cotman CW, Berchtold NC. Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity. Trends Neurosci. 2002 Jun;25(6):295-301. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(02)02143-4. PMID: 12086747.

[7] Wang Y, Ashokan K. Physical Exercise: An Overview of Benefits From Psychological Level to Genetics and Beyond. Front Physiol. 2021 Aug 12;12:731858. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.731858. PMID: 34456756; PMCID: PMC8397487.

[8] Lin X, Zhang X, Guo J, Roberts CK, McKenzie S, Wu WC, Liu S, Song Y. Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015 Jun 26;4(7):e002014. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.115.002014. PMID: 26116691; PMCID: PMC4608087.

[9] Yorks DM, Frothingham CA, Schuenke MD. Effects of Group Fitness Classes on Stress and Quality of Life of Medical Students. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2017 Nov 1;117(11):e17-e25. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2017.140. PMID: 29084328.

[10] Graupensperger, S., Gottschall, J. S., Benson, A. J., Eys, M., Hastings, B., & Evans, M. B. (2019). Perceptions of groupness during fitness classes positively predict recalled perceptions of exertion, enjoyment, and affective valence: An intensive longitudinal investigation. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 8(3), 290–304.

[11] Stødle, I.V., Debesay, J., Pajalic, Z. et al. The experience of motivation and adherence to group-based exercise of Norwegians aged 80 and more: a qualitative study. Arch Public Health 77, 26 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-019-0354-0