Sports, Exercise, and Slowing the Progression Parkinson’s Disease
A Collection of Personal Stories & Research
About the Book….
This book provides an in-depth review of the journeys of those diagnosed with PD, advocates, and caregivers. The emphasis is on the importance of slowing the progression of PD through sports. In providing this information, the hope is that until the cure is discovered, we can provide valuable information, avenues, and information covering multiple sports and their effect on those battling PD. Also noted are sports, which need more research and lack these results.
Finally, if those battling PD know about various exercises, fitness, and improving health through specific sports, then progression can be maintained and slowed down. This could result in longer health spans and maintaining the ability to allow the reader to combat PD until the cure is found. In addition, providing multiple sport analysis will benefit so many to not be discouraged if they do not enjoy or participate in one sport because so many others exist today which through awareness can be beneficial.
We have assembled a variety of experts worldwide to share their experiences, research, and evidence through their journeys that, in many cases, through specific sports, the progression of PD can be slowed down, and in many cases, allows each to live a productive life and maintain longer coping mechanisms.
Authors: Dr. George Ackerman, Amanda Ashmore, Dianne Bramble, Amy Bridge, Thomas Cosentino, Gina Cilento, Molly Cupka, Josefa Domingos, Peggy Faber, Char Grossman, Dr. Alisa Huntington, Tracy McBee, Bill McCleery, Deb Pollack, Dominique Prins-König, Cecilia Pulido, Jan Rose, Kim Rotundo, Barbara Salsberg Mathews, Andrew St. Bernard, Steve Squires and Todd Vogt.
Dedication
This book is also in memory of my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman who lost her battle due to PD, but her memory lives on through you and all those who advocate for a cure for those battling Parkinson’s. I would not be able to advocate without the support of my family. My wife Grether, and children: Brooke, Joshua & Eli… My love, life and reason I endure.
To my fellow writers this would not have been possible if not for your dedication, commitment and hard work! Together we are a family in this fight toward a Parkinson’s Cure!
Special thanks to Steve for always putting this project as a priority and being the support needed to accomplish this needed resource.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Dedication
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Sports
Chapter 3 Sports Effect on Society
Chapter 4 Sports and Psychology
Chapter 5 Progression, Sports and PD
Chapter 6 Ballet… By Amanda Ashmore
Chapter 7 Basketball… By Bill McCleery
Chapter 8 Bicycles & Trikes… By Steve Squires
Chapter 9 Bodybuilding, CrossFit, Powerlifting & Weightlifting…
By Dr. Andrew St. Bernard, DC
Chapter 10 Bowling… By Steve Squires
Chapter 11 Boxing… By Josefa Domingos, Ph.D.
Chapter 12 Golf….. By Steve Squires
Chapter 13 Horseback Riding (Equestrian) … By Dianne Bramble
Chapter 14 Marathons… By Peggy Faber
Chapter 15 Mime… By Barbara Salsberg Mathews
Chapter 16 Motorsports (Auto Racing)… By Deb Pollack
Chapter 17 Pickleball… By Gina Cilento
Chapter 18 Pilates… By Cecilia Pulido
Chapter 19 Ping Pong.. By Jan Rose
Chapter 20 Rock Climbing… By Molly Cupka
Chapter 21 Rowing… By Todd Vogt
Chapter 22 Sailing… By Amy Bridge
Chapter 23 Skiing (Cross Country)…By Kim Rotundo
Chapter 24 Swimming… By Dr. Alisa Huntington
Chapter 25 Tennis… By Kim Rotundo
Chapter 26 Walking… By Kim Rotundo
Chapter 27 Water Aerobics (Aqua Fit)… By Tracy McBee
Chapter 28 Yoga… By Char Grossman & Dominique Prins–König
Chapter 29 In Addition to Sports.
Physical Therapy… By Thomas Cosentino
Chapter 30 Sports and Family
Chapter 31 PD & Community
Chapter 32 Additional Research is Needed on Other Sports …
By Dr George Ackerman and Steve Squires
Chapter 33 Conclusion
References
Join us! The Discussion Continues…
Disclaimer
Author Biographies
* Chapters 1-5, 30-33… By Dr. George Ackerman
Endorsements:
“As a professional dancer and Clinical Exercise Physiologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease and orthopedics, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges athletes with PD face. This book is more than a story; it’s a beacon of motivation for anyone striving to keep moving, keep fighting, and keep doing what they love. A must-read for warriors of all kinds.”
Kimberly Berg, MS, CEP, ACSM-Owner of the Rebel Fit Club
“Exercise is such an important part of any person’s personal health journey. Even more so for those who live with Parkinson’s. This book provides perspective from those living with PD and how they approach each sport. Why is that important? There isn’t one single sport or style of exercise that is going to appeal to everyone. This book covers more than 20 sports and that means chances are you can find a sport that aligns with your preferences and goals.”
Jimmy Choi, Parkinson’s Athlete and Advocate
“One can’t ignore the current evidence supporting the essential nature of exercise for people with Parkinson disease. Exercise not only helps control symptoms, but it is also the only thing currently shown to slow the progression of PD. Enjoyment, challenge, and reward are key to the long-term commitment to exercise that is necessary with PD. I highly recommend this book and hearing journeys from PwP and the effect of sport through their lives is inspiring!”
Ryan A. Cotton, PT, DHSc Physical Therapist, Doctor of Health Science, President and CEO, Rock Steady Boxing, HQ Gym
“The research is overwhelming on the benefits of exercise for someone with Parkinson’s Disease and no matter your age, ability, or limitations, exercise adherence is significantly influenced by finding something enjoyable. The book provides insight into a variety of ways someone with Parkinson’s can stay in the game or take up a new sport to help manage and delay the onset of symptoms. The joy of competition, sense of community and teamwork and training for coordination, power, speed, etc., are all contributing factors to helping both physical and emotional well-being and to improve one’s health span.”
Emily Davenport, President, National Institute for Fitness and Sport
“Exercise is one of the few tools that people living with Parkinson’s can take advantage of regaining a sense of control over the disease, while potentially slowing disease progression. Given the central role that exercise plays in the lived experience of Parkinson’s, the new book “Sports, Exercise, and Slowing the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease” offers a timely and valuable source of both inspiration and practical guidance. It’s an empowering resource for individuals with Parkinson’s, care partners, and healthcare professionals alike.
John M Dean, MA CCC-SLP, Speech language pathologist specializing in Parkinson’s. Chair, Allied Health Professionals Special Interest Group (AHP SIG), International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
“Having been a Strength & Conditioning Coach the last 48 years of my life at The Collegiate, NFL, and High School Levels, I have seen what a difference proper training can make in the lives of Healthy and Unhealthy Athletes. And I honestly believe that the Use it or Lose it philosophy is one to follow to Maintain proper Mental and Physical Health as you age. I’ve seen people with Parkinson’s, who exercise, that are improving their lifestyle. Job well done on this endeavor.”
Dana LeDuc S&CC, University of Texas 16 years. University of Miami 2 years. Seattle Seahawks 4 years. St. Louis Rams 10 years. 2 Super Bowls – Super Bowl Champion XXXlV.
“As CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, I am inspired by this powerful exploration of how sports and physical activity can help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. This book not only offers hope, but also practical strategies grounded in science and real-life success stories. It is an essential read for anyone living with Parkinson’s—and those who support them.”
John Lehr, CEO, Parkinson’s Foundation
“Exercise is currently the only treatment for Parkinson’s disease that has broad neuroprotective effects and can slow disease progression. From helping motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms to quality of life, exercise is the best medicine out there and one that should be part of each patient’s treatment plan. This book beautifully exemplifies how in people living with PD, exercising regularly and finding a physical activity that you are passionate about can have a powerful and meaningful impact.”
Nijee Luthra, MD PhD, Movement Disorders Neurologist and Researcher, University of California San Francisco
“I’m tackling Parkinson’s with the same relentless drive that I once brought to broadcasting a championship game. If there’s a potential solution or promising research out there, I will find it. This book is an excellent way to share hope for those still battling PD today and provided specific examples of how Golf, a sport I hold dearly to my heart, may slow the progression. If there’s a way to rally support or raise awareness, I will pursue it.”
Michael Whelan, Emmy and Peabody Award Television Executive, Former CEO Of HBO Golf.
“As an Ironman finisher, physician, and mom living with Parkinson’s, I’ve learned that movement isn’t just medicine — it’s a lifeline. This book beautifully shows how people with Parkinson’s are thriving through all kinds of exercise — from boxing to yoga to strength training and more. What makes it truly powerful is that each section is written by people like us, living with PD every day. Their stories are real, relatable, and full of hope. There’s no one right way to move — just find something, make it fun, and keep moving forward.’
Sara Whittingham, Physician, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Founder of Parkinsonz.org
Biographies
Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son): Advocate & Editor. Ph.D., J.D., Police Ofc. Res, is a college professor in criminal justice, business, and law. He continues tirelessly in activities and advocating for Parkinson’s awareness. He created TogetherForSharon® to keep the memory alive of his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, and share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure. Today https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches across the world for PD Awareness.
Amanda Ashmore: Dancing/Ballet. Amanda resides with her husband, kids, and standard poodle near the beach in southern Alabama. In her spare time, she enjoys taking ballet classes, knitting, and drawing/painting. She is determined to try new things and never stop learning. Through her Parkinson’s journey, she has allowed it to push her out of her comfort zone and strengthen her mentally as she continues to fight against disease progression by staying active.
Diane Bramble, Horseback-riding. Dianne Bramble is a Registered Nurse in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She left nursing and got her certification in Health Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Personal Training. Dianne’s focus is on people with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s. She’s 56, married with two kids, a dog, and a horse. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in September 2013.
Amy Bridge: Rowing, Paddle sports, Sailing. Amy Bridge is a communications professional, Bay Area sailor and the Director of Operations and Fundraising for the Neptune Project USA. Amy has been championing the mission of Bertrand Delhom and the French racing Yacht, Neptune for the past two years since they completed the Ocean Globe Round the World Race in 2024. Bertrand, diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019 went back to his sailing roots when given a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream, and it changed his life. Amy, joined by a global crew of sailors and friends, is now supporting sailing as therapy, and the upcoming Ocean Globe Race in 2027. She now represents international fundraising for Parkinson’s Research along with medical professionals, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation to raise awareness of this disease.
Thomas Cosentino, Physical Therapy. Thomas was originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s in February 2016. I was fortunate that my Parkinsons is predominantly tremor based. Currently after nine years of exercise, physical therapy and of course medication I am unable to manage day-to-day with little difficulty. I currently do advocacy work for Michael J Fox Foundation and I’m an Ambassador with the Davis Family Foundation. I’ve also had the pleasure of being a Consumer Reviewer for Parkinson’s research funds through the Department of Defense.
Gina Cilento: Pickleball. Gina Cilento is a multi-medal winning Professional Pickleball player and sought after coach, currently ranked 5th in the country. She is co founder of The Pick clothing line and The Pickleball Lab.
Molly Cupka, Climbing. Molly has over 22 years of rock-climbing experience including instructional classes and one-on-one sessions. Molly is the Director of Sportrock Climbing Centers where she has worked since 2007. Molly got involved with the Parkinson’s community in 2012, starting the group Up Ending Parkinson’s, a nonprofit that is determined to spread the addictive sport that is rock climbing. Molly has worked closely over the years with over 100 people living with Parkinson’s Disease, often seeing these individuals 2-3 times per week. Molly was on a team of researchers that studied the effects of rock climbing on Parkinson’s Disease through Marymount University. Molly has been a speaker at seminars, a presenter at a George Washington University Graduate Neuroscience class, and has done several podcasts, blogs, and articles.
Josefa Domingos, PT, PhD, Boxing. Josefa is a physiotherapist specializing in Parkinson’s disease, with 21 years of experience working exclusively with people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Her career has focused on developing and implementing specialized care for people living with Parkinson’s. In 2005, she played a key role in establishing specialized health services for Parkinson’s in Portugal and has since founded several specialized services nationwide. Currently, she serves as the National Health Coordinator at the Portuguese Parkinson’s Disease Patient Association (APDPk) and is the co-founder of Young Parkies Portugal (YPP).
Peggy Faber, Marathons & Running. Peggy Faber’s racing career spans over 35 years, and includes 60 marathon finishes, 6 age group awards, and over 30,000 miles of training. During this time, she broke her leg (twice), had 2 knee replacements and in 2018 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite these challenges, in September 2024, at The Adirondack Marathon in New York, Peggy reached her long-term goal of completing a Marathon in ALL 50 STATES.
Char Grossman: Yoga. Founder and Director of YogaReach®, a pioneering business in adaptive therapeutic yoga/movements. She specializes in leading Mindful Movement classes for individuals with Parkinson’s. Char offers speaking engagements at conferences and conducts nationwide professional training workshops, equipping participants skills to create PD adaptive therapeutic classes in their own communities. With more than 30 years of experience, Char is a nationally certified educational psychologist and yoga therapist (C-IAYT), recognized for her expertise in educating clients with neuromuscular and neurological challenges. www.yoga-reach.org
Dr. Alisa Huntington, Swimming. Alisa is a 56-year-old who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 52, after experiencing symptoms in her early forties. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist by trade, and lives with her wife and two children, ages 17 and 14. Her passion for swimming surfaced after her diagnosis, and she completed her first sprint triathlon in 2022. She is an avid exerciser, which includes swimming at least twice a week.
Tracy McBee, Aquatic Swimming. A certified AEA Aquatic Exercise Instructor with 20 years of experience. Tracy’s focus is functional fitness and injury rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with movement disorders. This specialization stems from her personal experience with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2018.
Bill McCleery: Basketball. Bill McCleery works for state government in Indiana after previously spending two decades as a reporter for The Indianapolis Star. He is author of the 2012 mystery novel “Henry’s Lady.” He and his wife, Amy, have three adult daughters. Long active in recreational basketball, Bill intensified his participation in the sport as therapy after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2021 at age 50.
Deb Pollack, Auto Car Racing. Deb Pollack, publicist for global luxury brand Singer Vehicle Design, has served the car community since the late ‘80s, including tenure with Ferrari, Maserati and Mitsubishi Motors. Her automotive volunteer efforts range from judging at various national and regional Concours events, to serving as an ambassador for the RPM Foundation and as Advisory Board Member for McPherson College and their school of automotive restoration. A philanthropist at heart, since 2008 she’s teamed Cars and Camaraderie® to support the challenges of Parkinson’s disease – and since 2016, as founder of Drive Toward a Cure® (www.drivetowardacure.org), a nationally-recognized 501(c)(3) charity foundation dedicated to finding a cure while benefitting those living with Parkinson’s disease.
Dominique Prins-König: Yoga. A journalist and editor for 25 years, writing for leading Dutch newspapers and magazines about health and human interest. When she was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in 2018, she decided to become a yoga teacher. She is involved with Yoga4Parkinson, www.yoga4parkinson.nl, an organization that provides information about yoga and PD, and educates yoga teachers to become specialized Yoga4Parkinson teachers.
Cecilia Pulido, MS-AES/HMS: Pilates. Cecilia is a highly accomplished fitness professional with a diverse training background, including: PaKua Chinese Arts & Sciences, Yoga, ELDOA, Kettlebells, TRX, and Pilates (mentored by Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel). She holds a master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science, specializing in Scoliosis, spinal asymmetry, and Parkinson’s disease (PD). With over 23 years of experience and ongoing studies in neuroscience applications, she has developed the Pilates 4 Parkinson’s Method.
Jan Rose, Ping Pong. Jan is the Chief People Officer for Henry Street Settlement, a nonprofit provider of social services, arts, and health care programs for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers. She has 25 years of experience strengthening organizational effectiveness in nonprofit and for-profit settings. Since she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, she founded the New York City chapter of PingPongParkinson, where she leads ping pong sessions, educational programs, and social events for people living with the disease. She is a board member of PingPongParkinson and serves as Administration Officer. She also volunteers with her certified therapy dog visiting patients and the elderly. Jan has a B.A. Economics and M.B.A. in Industrial Relations from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She has two daughters and two grandchildren living in Connecticut and Boston.
Kim Rotundo: Tennis, Walking and Cross-Country Skiing. Diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in 2018 at the age of 48. Kim played tennis competitively within her community for over 30 years, participating in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles leagues, regional tournaments, and a USTA team at the 4.0 level. Since her diagnosis, Kim has worked hard to incorporate preparation and strategies that allow her to continue playing tennis as a form of exercise that helps her keep her body moving, slow the progression of the disease, create and maintain positive social relationships, and serve as an advocate for YOPD.
Barbara Salsberg Mathews, Mime. Barbara transformed a personal challenge of living with Parkinson’s, into a platform for helping others. She created the Mime Over Mind program, blending her background in mime with therapeutic techniques to support those living with Parkinson’s. She is a lifelong advocate for the arts and an inspiring force in the fight against Parkinson’s.
Dr. Andrew St. Bernard, DC: Gym/Weightlifting/Powerlifting. Andrew is a Doctor of Chiropractic with an honors degree in Kinesiology. He’s been an avid gym-goer for the majority of his life and has competed in drug-tested bodybuilding and powerlifting events before he was diagnosed with Young Onset Atypical Parkinson’s in 2024. He now uses his knowledge and experience with weightlifting to slow the progression and help others do the same.
Steve Squires: Bowling, Golf & Cycling. Steve was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in summer of 2000, and has had Parkinson’s half of his life. He is a certified Bronze Level coach for the United States Bowling Congress and has worked with youth and adult bowlers, especially those with physical issues. In 2024, he became a brand ambassador for TerraTrike recumbent trikes, working to get more people with PD outside and riding safely. He and his family have raised over $100,000 for Parkinson’s research for a cure.
Todd Vogt, Para Olympics & Rowing. Todd has been involved with the sport of rowing for over 25 years as both an athlete and a coach. Upon diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018 at the age of 43, Todd transitioned to being a Paralympic rower representing the U.S. at the World Rowing Championships in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Todd recently rowed for the US at in 2024 Paris Paralympics finishing in 7th place in the PR3 mixed gender double scull event.