Fitness Testing for Parkinson's Disease

For individuals with Parkinson's disease, VO₂ max testing measures:

• Aerobic Capacity (VO₂ Max):
  • • Overall cardiovascular fitness level
  • • Typically reduced in Parkinson's compared to age-matched controls
  • • Can improve with consistent aerobic training
• Exercise Tolerance:
  • • How well the cardiovascular system responds to increasing exercise intensity
  • • Identifies appropriate intensity for training programs
• Baseline Fitness:
  • • Starting point before beginning an exercise program
  • • Useful for physical therapists and exercise physiologists
• Progress Tracking:
  • • Objective measurements over time (every 6 to 12 months)
  • • Validate that exercise program is working
  • • Motivational tool to see fitness improvements
• Safe Exercise Intensity:
  • • Personalized heart rate zones for training
  • • Know what "moderate" vs. "high" intensity means for YOUR body
  • • Avoid under or over-exercising

Emerging research on intensity:

• Study Findings:
  • • High-intensity aerobic exercise (70 to 80% max heart rate) may be more neuroprotective than moderate
  • • Some trials show slowed progression with vigorous exercise
  • • Animal models suggest intensity matters for BDNF production
• What This Means for Testing:
  • • VO₂ max testing identifies your SAFE high-intensity zones
  • • Know your lactate threshold (Zone 4)-sustainable hard effort
  • • Work with physical therapist to design high-intensity intervals
  • • Important: High-intensity exercise requires medical clearance and proper supervision
• Not Everyone Can Do High-Intensity:
  • • Depends on disease stage, comorbidities, cardiovascular health
  • • Moderate-intensity exercise STILL highly beneficial
  • • Any exercise better than sedentary behavior
  • • Work with your medical team to determine what's appropriate

Many individuals with Parkinson's participate in specialized exercise programs:

• Rock Steady Boxing:
  • • Non-contact boxing program designed for Parkinson's
  • • Combines aerobic, strength, balance, and coordination
  • • Group classes provide social support
  • • Available in Santa Cruz area
• Physical Therapy (Parkinson's-Specific):
  • • Movement disorder specialists
  • • Gait training, balance work, functional movement
  • • LSVT BIG program (amplitude-focused therapy)
• Cycling Programs:
  • • Forced-rate cycling research (tandem bikes)
  • • Stationary bike programs
  • • Outdoor cycling groups (with safety considerations)
• Walking and Hiking:
  • • Nordic walking (poles help with gait and balance)
  • • Group walking clubs
  • • Treadmill training with support as needed
• Dance Classes:
  • • Tango (research-backed benefits for Parkinson's)
  • • Other styles: ballroom, contemporary
  • • Improves balance, gait, and cognitive engagement
• Aquatic Therapy:
  • • Swimming and water aerobics
  • • Reduced fall risk in water
  • • Good for those with joint issues or balance concerns

VO₂ max testing helps determine appropriate intensity for these activities and tracks improvements over time.

VO₂ max testing should be integrated into your comprehensive care:

• Before Testing:
  • • Discuss with neurologist or movement disorder specialist
  • • Obtain medical clearance (required before testing)
  • • Discuss cardiovascular health and medications
  • • Determine if testing is appropriate for your disease stage
• Using Test Results:
  • • Share results with physical therapist or exercise physiologist
  • • Use data to inform exercise prescription
  • • Set appropriate intensity targets for training
  • • Adjust exercise program based on zones
• Retesting:
  • • Consider retesting every 6 to 12 months
  • • Track changes in aerobic capacity
  • • Adjust zones as fitness improves or changes

We accommodate various needs during testing:

• Timing:
  • • Test at your best time of day (when medications are most effective)
  • • Schedule during "on" periods when symptoms are controlled
  • • Allow flexibility for rescheduling if needed
• Equipment Options:
  • • Stationary bike: Often preferred for balance/safety
  • • Treadmill: Option if gait is stable and safe
  • • Recumbent bike or rower: If needed for support
  • • We discuss best option based on your abilities
• Protocol Modifications:
  • • Modify test protocol if needed for safety (slower ramp, longer stages)
  • • Allow extra time for setup and rest breaks
  • • Provide supportive equipment as needed
  • • You control when to stop-test is effort-based
• Support:
  • • Caregiver or family member welcome to attend
  • • Spotter for balance if using treadmill
  • • Clear communication throughout test

Safety is our top priority. Before scheduling testing:

• Required:
  • • Medical clearance from your physician (required)
  • • Discuss with neurologist or movement disorder specialist
  • • Cardiovascular clearance if any heart conditions
• Inform Us Of:
  • • All medications and their timing (especially dopaminergic drugs)
  • • Cardiovascular conditions or history
  • • Balance concerns or recent falls
  • • Freezing of gait episodes
  • • Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops)
  • • Dyskinesias or motor fluctuations
• We Can Stop at Any Time:
  • • You control the test-stop whenever uncomfortable
  • • We monitor heart rate, breathing, and overall condition
  • • Safety always prioritized over data collection

Test day overview:

• Duration: 60 to 90 minutes (allowing extra time for comfort and safety)
• Process:
  • • Setup (15 min): Medical history review, equipment setup, heart rate monitor
  • • Warm-up (5 min): Easy effort to acclimate
  • • Graded test (8 to 15 min): Intensity increases gradually every 1 to 2 minutes
  • • Cool-down (5 to 10 min): Gentle movement, recovery monitoring
  • • Results discussion (15 min): Same-day analysis and recommendations
• Breathing:
  • • You'll breathe into a mouthpiece with a nose clip
  • • Measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production
  • • Can be challenging but not painful

VO₂ Max Test: $250

60 to 90 minutes. Includes full report with heart rate zones, aerobic capacity, and exercise recommendations. Medical clearance required.

RMR Test: $75

Optional add-on for nutrition planning. Useful if managing weight or muscle mass.

Insurance: Not typically covered, but you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We provide receipts.

Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Finding Us: Downtown Santa Cruz behind Hindquarter restaurant (second entrance off Dakota St.). Accessible parking available.

Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com

What to Bring: Medical clearance, medication list, comfortable athletic clothing and shoes, water bottle, any assistive devices you normally use.

VO₂ max testing is a tool for tracking fitness-not a medical treatment:

• • We measure cardiovascular fitness, not disease progression
• • Testing does not diagnose, treat, or cure Parkinson's disease
• • Always work closely with your neurologist, physical therapist, and healthcare providers
• • Use test results to inform exercise programming (with medical guidance)
• • If you have questions about appropriateness, discuss with your medical team first