A neurological diagnosis may present challenges that affect many aspects of everyday life. Whether you are living with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, acquired brain injury or another neurological condition, movement can be one of the most powerful tools in supporting your health and wellbeing.
Neuroactive exercise offers an opportunity to achieve this and work towards your meaningful goals
what is Neuroactive Exercise?
Neuroactive Exercise involves movements and activities designed to challenge the brain and nervous system while improving physical function. Exercises are selected to target specific difficulties and encourage the brain and body to work together more effectively. This too stimulates “neuroplasticity” - the brain's remarkable ability to adapt, reorganise and strengthen connections in response to experiences and repeated practice.
Why is neuroactive exercise important?
For people living with conditions such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, acquired brain injury and other neurological disorders, exercise offers benefits that extend beyond general fitness.
As an Exercise Physiologist (EP), I believe exercise is about much more than simply getting stronger or fitter. It is about helping you maintain your independence, enhance confidence in your abilities and continue doing the things that matter most to you.
Here are some of the key reasons why incorporating neuroactive exercise into your routine is so important
1. Enhancing strength and power
Strength is essential for everyday independence. Whether it is getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or getting dressed, maintaining muscle strength can make daily activities easier and reduce the effort required to complete them.
2. Improving balance and reducing falls risk
Balance relies on the brain processing information from your eyes, inner ear and sensory systems to help your body remain stable and navigating everyday environments.
Exercises such as weight shifting, tandem walking, reaching activities and supported single-leg standing can challenge these systems and improve balance control.
3. Improving walking and coordination
Walking is a complex activity that requires communication between the brain, nervous system and muscles.
Gait training, obstacle stepping, marching and directional walking exercises help practise the movements involved in walking and coordination.
4. Cognitive Engagement
Moving with intense focus and purpose rather than on autopilot such as multi-tasking drills that force the brain to actively problem-solve during physical movement.
| What Neuroactive Exercise Focuses On | How an AEP Delivers It |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Engagement | Design progressive, multi-tasking drills that challenge the brain during movement |
| High Repetition & Intensity | Optimise effort and repetition to spark neuroplasticity while preventing fatigue |
| Targeted Coordination | Tailor sensory cues, balance and agility exercises to your neurological condition |
| Functional Rewiring | Adapt movements directly into daily tasks to safely reclaim skills like walking, reaching, and standing |
where do I start?
Every person living with a neurological condition has a different experience. Symptoms, physical abilities, fatigue levels and exercise tolerance can vary significantly.
Working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can assess your current abilities, understand your goals and develop an individualised neuroactive exercise program to address your specific needs.
One of the most important things to understand about neuroactive exercise is that the benefits come from regular practice. The brain learns through repetition, experience and challenge. Just as practising a new skill helps you become better at it, repeatedly practising purposeful movements can help reinforce movement patterns and improve physical function. Whether your goal is to improve your walking, play with your children, reduce your falls risk or simply feel more confident completing everyday activities, participating in neuroactive exercise with the support of an AEP can play an important role in your journey.
Remember, exercise is not just about moving your muscles. It is about challenging your brain, stimulating your nervous system and making the most of what your body can do!
If you would like more information or to book an appointment with Susie
Please call us on 4296 1555. She works out of both Shellharbour and Albion Park clinics!