Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable, repetitive muscle movements. These movements can be unpredictable and tend to affect the face, neck, limbs, or trunk of the body.
People taking certain long-term medications are at risk of developing TD. The disorder is most commonly an adverse side effect of antipsychotic medications.
The condition can cause discomfort and disability, which can affect a person’s quality of life. However, exercise can help improve TD symptoms and relieve discomfort.
Read on to learn some practical, evidence-based ways to build a TD-friendly fitness routine with safety, adaptability, and empowerment in mind.
Studies examining the effects of exercise on TD are not common, but a few suggest that it may be beneficial. This is especially true if you have a tremor or experience issues with balance or walking.
Research indicates that exercise generally offers several health benefits. This includes:
- helping your body move more easily
- improving your mood while reducing anxiety
- reducing the risk of long-term illnesses
- improving your sleep quality
Exercise can also help prevent and treat chronic diseases. Some of these conditions, such as diabetes, are risk factors for TD.
Before starting an exercise program, it’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare team first. They can suggest resources for starting and maintaining a safe routine. This may include working with a personal trainer or physical therapist.
Building a TD-friendly exercise routine
Experts recommend doing a variety of exercises. Changing the type of activity you do daily helps reduce the risk of injury and prevents boredom.
1. Low impact cardiovascular activities
Cardiovascular activities benefit your heart and lungs. Low impact exercise involves activities that reduce stress on your joints, such as gentle walking instead of the harder step of running. Despite this, low impact activity can still be intense. For example, climbing stairs can easily get your heart beating faster without applying undue pressure on your joints.
You could start with a few minutes each day, then work up to 150 minutes per week. Pay attention to how you feel during cardiovascular activity. Stop if you experience dizziness, chest discomfort, or nausea.
2. Flexibility and mobility
Practicing flexibility means moving a joint through its range of motion. Some people can reach their full range of motion, while others might have a more limited range. The most common way to improve flexibility is through stretching exercises.
It’s best to stretch when your muscles are already warmed up. You could try going for a brisk walk or jogging at a slower pace. Try to challenge how far you can stretch, but never stretch to the point of pain, as this increases the risk of injury.
Strength training, also called resistance training, is an activity that contracts your muscles by lifting or resisting an object or piece of exercise equipment. The goal is to build muscle strength and tone.
Start with moderately intense weight training before gradually increasing the weight, repetitions, and sets. Remember to warm up first, avoid holding your breath, and try to keep a slight bend in your arms and legs. This is to help prevent locking your joints and causing damage.
4. Balance and coordination training
Balance training increases your body’s stability, which can help prevent falls and other injuries. You can practice these exercises while you are standing still, such as balancing on one foot. Or you can use techniques that involve movement, such as heel-toe walking. This type of walk involves you placing one foot directly in front of the other, so that your heel touches the toes of the opposite foot. Repeat this as you walk.
If needed, use supports, such as a wall or sturdy chair, to help steady yourself.
5. Mindful movement and breathing
Mindfulness or meditation may benefit some people with TD. Combining it with movement that incorporates both can add the extra benefit of exercise. Examples of this include yoga and tai chi.
To get started with one of these disciplines, sign up for a class or find an online resource for instruction.
6. Adaptive equipment and tools
Adaptive equipment is any tool that makes tasks easier or simpler to perform. Some people with TD may require mobility aids, such as a cane, to stay safe while engaging in physical activity. An occupational therapist can suggest the best tools for you. If you need a referral, your doctor may be able to suggest someone you can reach out to or connect you with resources to find someone.
Exercise offers numerous health benefits for individuals with various health conditions. An exercise routine that incorporates various types of exercises may help people with tardive dyskinesia (TD) manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Talk with your doctor to determine the best approach for getting started safely and connect with experts who can help you reach your health goals.