As the third presenter in our Dysautonomia Series, Dr. Dibble will address the topic of Dysautonomia and Exercise among individuals with Parkinson Disease. The status of research in this field is still very dynamic. The benefits of exercise to PD patients are widely known, but the neurologic response to exercise requires a coordinated response of the autonomic nervous system. For this reason, individuals with dysautonomia (such as those with PD and Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension) may have alterations in regulation of blood flow to skeletal muscles and organs while they exercise. This presentation will discuss the characteristics of cardiovascular dysautonomia during exercise, non-pharmacologic treatment options, and the tradeoffs between the benefits and challenges of exercise among PD patients.

Dr. Dibble has held a number of clinical, teaching, administrative, and research positions at the Physical Therapy department at the University of Utah, where he currently serves as chair. He received a BS degree in Animal Physiology from UC Davis, a MS degree in Physical Therapy from Duke University, and a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sports Science from the U of Utah.

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