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Parkinson's disease patients find benefits in martial arts exercise
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Many people have seen martial arts performed in movies and on television, most likely as a means of defense against opposing forces in battle scenes. However, in Winter Haven, a form of martial arts - tai chi - is being used as a means of defense against an internal opponent - Parkinson's disease.
Parkinsons patients Bob Harmon, left, and Laura Williams perform Tai Chi with instructor Michael Carey and assistant Kate Gilbert at the Main Street Dojo's, Inc. on Central Avenue in Winter Haven.
Bob Harmon, left, follows the precise movements of instructor Michael Carey during Tai Chi.
Funded as part of a grant by the University of South Florida neurology department, Dr. Michael Carey has been offering free tai chi classes in Lakeland to Parkinson's disease patients for two years. This summer, he started offering the classes in Winter Haven. Parkinson's disease patient Laura Williams began taking the classes in Lakeland and switched to the Winter Haven classes when they became available. "I knew what tai chi was, but I didn't know how it could help people with Parkinson's disease," said Williams of her decision to start the class two years ago. "I heard about the class through my doctor, and I decided to go. It has helped so much with my balance, because my balance wasn't that good because of Parkinson's. The class has been good for that." Williams said that because of tai chi's slow, deliberate movements, the exercise is one she can practice at home to supplement the once-a-week class. By MEREDITH JEAN MORTON
Parkinson’s Exercise Proponents Offering New Challenge to People with Parkinson’s
Friday, August 20, 2010
One of the less discussed manifestations of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is micrographia, which means “small handwriting.” People with Parkinson’s often find that they not only have difficulty forming script letters, but that when they do write, the script is very small and shaky. David Zid and Jackie Russell, partners in “Delay the Disease,” an exercise program for PD, have adapted several of these exercises specifically to address micrographia. Zid and Russell theorize that, when performed every day, large muscle exercises with big movements may have a positive impact on motor dexterity and therefore improve small, shaky handwriting. They are hoping to prove their theory through a free participatory event they call “The Handwriting Challenge.” People with Parkinson’s can sign up to participate in the Challenge and print out the necessary materials at delaythedisease.com. According to Zid, the Challenge involves completing a group of 4 different large muscle, big movement exercises every day for a period of 12 weeks. The set of exercises takes less than ten minutes to complete. Said Zid, “We’re asking participants to adhere to the Challenge guidelines explained on the Delay the Disease Web site. That includes performing the exercises at approximately the same time each day and completing all required repetitions. Being consistent with the exercises is essential.” If the Challenge proves their theory, Zid and Russell intend to correlate their findings and share the results, always maintaining participants’ privacy. Said Russell, “Even if handwriting does not improve, participants may still gain from the program. These daily exercises could improve their ability to walk, lessen rigidity and perhaps reduce tremor. They have nothing to lose.” Certified through ACE as a personal trainer and APG as a functional fitness trainer, David Zid has spent more than a decade training hundreds of clients, specifically the older adult, and teaching other personal trainers his unique exercise methods. For the past two years Zid has devoted half of his one-on-one weekly training sessions to people with Parkinson’s. As a result of his observations and experiences in this endeavor, he agrees wholeheartedly with the neurologists and Parkinson’s researchers who have begun to see exercise as “The new drug for Parkinson’s.” “Delay the Disease” is a fitness program designed by Zid to empower people with PD by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. The program is available as both a book and DVD at delaythedisease.com. In her 30 year career as a registered nurse, Jackie Russell is credentialed with professional achievement in perioperative nursing (CNOR) and ACLS certified. Instrumental in helping Zid translate his PD exercise program into a book and DVD, Russell is passionate about spreading the message of hope that daily exercise can empower people with Parkinson’s to face this disease with a proactive attitude. She is convinced that exercise can be their “trump card,” allowing them to believe “I may have Parkinson's but it does not have me.”
Yoga Used To Treat Parkinson's Disease
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
by Doug Schepman
DENVER -- Looking strong and athletic, 73-year-old Paul Zeiger's physical condition belies his age, and his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease five years ago. His wife recalled watching the symptoms set in.
"He'd become stooped, his arm was rigid and didn't move, so he began really working against all those symptoms," said Carolyn Zeiger.
Paul Zeiger took the fight to the disease using yoga.
"When people tell me I'm looking good, one fairly standard response I give is, 'I'm well medicated and well exercised,'" Paul Zeiger said.He has practiced and taught yoga for two decades, and figured the ancient exercise was the best way to combat the movement, tremor and balance issues associated with Parkinson's disease. It's part of what he calls a revolution in finding ways to slow the progression of the neurological disorder; making it a manageable disease like diabetes. The movement has gained more acceptance from the medical community over the past few years.
"It addresses exactly those impairments of the body functions that Parkinson's disease patients have," said Dr. Olga Klepitskaya, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Colorado. "It also affects the mind-body connection and helps anxiety which is unfortunately a really bad problem for many Parkinson's disease patients."
Zeiger believes yoga has had such a positive impact on his quality of life, that he and his wife, Carolyn, have made it their mission to share that success with others. One of their clients, David Walter, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 16 years ago.
"It's definitely made things better," Walter said. "It helps your body remember what it's supposed to, or is capable of doing.
"Recently, Walter recalled, he was even able to play outfield at his son's baseball practice. He said he had not run like that in about 15 years.
A retired engineer and professor, Paul Zeiger is motivated by curiosity and a desire to solve problems.
"If I can put these things to work for myself and teach them to other people, that gives me something useful to do," Zeiger said.
For Zeiger, yoga is more than twisting his body like a pretzel; it's about living a better life with Parkinson's disease, and living longer. He says other forms of exercise, like dancing and Tai Chi can also be beneficial to Parkinson's disease patients.
Currently, the apparent benefits of yoga for Parkinson's disease patients are anecdotal, however, researchers at the University of Colorado hope to find funding to conduct a clinical study on the subject.
Comparing exercise in Parkinson’s disease-The Berlin BIG Study.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Ebersbach G, Ebersbach A, Edler D, Kaufhold O, Kusch M, Kupsch A, Wissel J Physiotherapy widely used Parkinson’s disease (PD), bυt tr r few controlled studies comparing active interventions. Recently, a technique named “Training BIG” b introduced. Training BIG derived frοm t Lee Silverman Voice Treatment focuses ο intensive exercising οf high-amplitude movements. I t present comparative study, 60 patients wt mild tο moderate PD wr randomly assigned tο receive tr one-tο-one training οf BIG, group training οf Nordic Walking (WALK), οr domestic nonsupervised exercises (HOME). Patients BIG WALK received 16 hours οf supervised training within 4 (BIG) οr 8 (WALK) weeks. T primary efficacy measure w ffr change Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score frοm baseline tο follow-up t 16 weeks between groups. UPDRS scores wr obtained b blinded video rating. ANCOVA οw significant group differences fοr UPDRS-motor score t final assessment (P < 0.001). Mean improvement οf UPDRS BIG w -5.05 (SD 3.91) whereas tr w a mild deterioration οf 0.58 (SD 3.17) WALK οf 1.68 (SD 5.95) HOME. BIG w ο superior tο WALK HOME timed-up--ο timed 10 m walking. Tr wr ο significant group differences fοr quality οf life (PDQ39). T results provide evidence tt BIG effective technique tο improve motor performance patients wt PD. (c) 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Exercise and Parkinson's Disease
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Reviewed by Jon Glass, MD Because Parkinson's disease affects your ability to move, exercise helps to keep muscles strong and improve flexibility and mobility. Exercise will not stop Parkinson's disease from progressing;but, it will improve your balance and it can prevent joint stiffening. You should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Your doctor may make recommendations about: - The types of exercise best suited to you and those which you should avoid
- The intensity of the workout (how hard you should be working)
- The duration of your workout and any physical limitations
- Referrals to other professionals, such as a physical therapist who can help you create your own personal exercise program
The type of exercise that works best for you depends on your symptoms, fitness level, and overall health. Generally, exercises that stretch the limbs through thefull range of motion are encouraged. Here are some tips to keep in mind when exercising. - Always warm-up before beginning your exercise routine and cool down at the end.
- If you plan to workout for 30 minutes, start with 10-minute sessions and work your way up.
- Exercise your facial muscles, jaw, and voice when possible: Sing or read aloud, exaggerating your lip movements. Make faces in the mirror. Chew food vigorously.
- Try water exercise, such as water aerobics or swimming laps. These are often easier on the joints and require less balance.
- Work out in a safe environment; avoid slippery floors, poor lighting, throw rugs, and other potential dangers.
- If you have difficulty balancing, exercise within reach of a grab bar or rail. If you have trouble standing or getting up, try exercising in bed rather than on the floor or an exercise mat.
- If at any time you feel sick or you begin to hurt, stop.
- Select a hobby or activity you enjoy and stick with it. Some suggestions include: gardening; walking; swimming; water aerobics; yoga; tai chi.
Gameworld: Motion games broaden uses beyond exercise
Saturday, July 10, 2010
By John Gaudiosi RALEIGH, North Carolina (Reuters Life!) Ever since Nintendo launched the Wii, gamers have been interacting with characters and working out with virtual trainers in titles like Electronic Arts EA Sports Active or Ubisofts Your Shape. Nintendo is even encouraging families to exercise together with Wii Games: Summer 2010, a national tour that kicks off in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 16 with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson serving as an ambassador for the competition. Now researchers, scientists and game developers are using Nintendos console for many other health-oriented applications, and in some cases are getting millions of dollars in grants to dream up new technologies. A recent gathering of over 400 top minds at the sixth annual Games for Health Conference in Boston found innovative new ways that video games with motion-sensor controllers are being used to help doctors and patients. Through a grant from the National Institute of Health, Red Hill Games and the School of Nursing at the University of California San Francisco are using Wii technology to create games that help people with Parkinsons disease improve their balance. One called Rail Runner requires patients to stand up and sit down to operate an old-fashioned railroad hand cart. Most of these patients are in their 70s and 80s, and they really love these games, said Bob Hone, creative director at Red Hill Studios. They really want something thats going to address their disease, and whats different is these games are designed specifically for them. Red Hill is incorporating similar Wii technology into games to help improve gait and balance in kids with Cerebral Palsy. These kids sometimes have physical challenges, so weve taken that into account to make games where they feel like theyre walking and they get to the finish line successfully, said Hone. GROWING BUSINESS This fall, Sony Computer Entertainment America will launch PlayStation Move for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft will introduce Kinect for Xbox 360. These new devices are expected to not only open up gaming to a new mainstream audience, but also offer pioneers in the burgeoning Games for Health arena the ability to dream up new technology. The impact of these new technologies is going to be as seismic as Nintendo was when it originally came out with the Wii and the Wii balance board, because its going to extend across more platforms, said Stephen Yang, a researcher and assistant professor at New Yorks College of Courtland. There are a lot of great game designers out there who will be able to tap into these new physical interactions with games and bring new experiences that will be both fun and beneficial for patients, Yang said. John Lumpkin, MD, senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has seen first-hand the advances that motion-sensor controllers and physical games have had on both his patients and his own children. These games promote motion, which increases the heart rate and burns more calories, said Lumpkin. Even a game with the simplest motion like playing drums on Rock Band can have a gamer burning twice as many calories per hour as he or she would just sitting around, while a more vigorous game like Dance Dance Revolution can burn as many as six times the amount of calories, said Lumpkin. Lumpkin said what really excites him, and many in his field, is that fact that today researchers are using a Wii balance board game to help stroke victims regain their balance just as effectively as an $18,000 piece of equipment. Thats one reason why the Games for Health sector has been growing exponentially over the past six years with no slowdown in sight. When you look at the economic activity associated with Health Care in the U.S. its approximately 16 percent of gross domestic product, even in countries that spend less on health care, its still double-digit GDPs, said Ben Sawyer, co-founder, Games for Health. Small games for health developers are receiving grants in the tens of millions to the low hundreds of millions of dollars, said Sawyer. When you combine those numbers with game sales of titles like Konamis Dance Dance Revolution, Ubisofts Your Shape, Nintendos Wii Fit and Electronic Arts EA Sports Active, the Games for Health sector is well over $1 billion annually.
The Benefits of Exercise for People Who Suffer From Parkinson’s Disease
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
by Jeremy Parker
Many sufferers of Parkinson's disease quickly find that various aspects of their life are no longer controllable in the way that they used to be however by exercising regularly Parkinson sufferers can continue to control their gross movements i.e. walking,holding objects etc. for longer which adds a mental and emotional boost to their well being. Research has shown that exercise may also improve the synthesis of dopamine in the brain and increase the levels of neurotrophic factors which are beneficial compounds.
Exercise for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease incorporates muscle strengthening, flexibility and toning activities so that muscles and joints stay flexible and strong. It is normal for a physiotherapist to implement an exercise schedule for the patient that includes a range o factivities to work all muscles of the body over a two or three day period. So for example, day one of the cycle may include walking and strengthening exercises for the arms and hands whereas day two might be a yoga class where flexibility of the joints is the main focus.
It is essential to monitor the patients progress, not only so that any improvements and decreases in function are recorded but also as a stimulus for the patient; when people see improvement and can visualise the effort that they put in they are much more positive about continuing the regime.
In general exercise should test the entire body and not just the limbs so that posture and movement is maintained for a slong as possible. Good posture is essential in the later stages of Parkinsons disease because stooping can hamper breathing and swallowing. Exercises for posture include callisthenics, yoga, Pilates,tai chi, and swimming however not every sufferer will enjoy these types of activities. Simply sitting upright while reading a book or watchingTV and walking with a straight back will also help though, thus walking the dog or playing with the children or grandchildren are great ways to work the body muscles and to enjoy daily exercising.
Regular exercise for the Parkinson's sufferer will reduce the incidence of muscle cramps, rigidity of the joints and the aches and pains associated with staying still for long periods of time. Also, because exercise helps the sufferer to maintain control over many of their gross movements (although maybe not the tremors) it gives them a heightened sense of achievement and so stress and anxiety levels remain low.Keeping a positive mental attitude is incredibly important in conditions like Parkinson's disease where sufferer can very easily become frustrated and discouraged with their predicament.
As with all exercise routines, the patient should start with a good warm up followed by the exercise activity of their choice or which has been scheduled for that day, and then they should finish with a positive cool down so that the chances of developing muscle cramps and injuries are greatly reduced. An exercise session should ideally last around 15-20 minutes and should not by any means exhaust the patient. Overexertion can be equally as damaging to a Parkinson's sufferer as no exercise at all.
In order to make daily exercise more appealing and less of a chore it maybe worth trying to find a friend or relative that is willing to exercise with the patient. Also, a bit of variety in the type of exercise will not only mean that the exercise stays interesting but it will also ensure that all muscles and joints of the body are used to a satisfactory level.
Effect of exercise on reactivity and motor behaviour in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry.
Authors: Mller T, Muhlack S
BackgroundFollowing cued levodopa (LD) intake, endurance exercise showed abeneficial effect on scored motor performance in patients withParkinsons disease (PD) in comparison with rest. This may result froman exercise induced increase in endogenous dopamine synthesis. As aresult, beneficial effects on movement and reactivity may occur.Objectives To measure reactivity and motor performance in a repeatedfashion with instrumental tasks after cued administration of soluble 200mg of LD/50 mg of benserazide. Design PD patients consecutivelyperformed paradigms, which assess reactivity and movement performance,after a standardised period of rest or of age-related, heart rateadapted endurance exercise on two consecutive days in a random order.Results Reactivity and execution of simple and complex motion serieswere significantly better following exercise than after rest. DiscussionEndurance exercise has a beneficial effect on reactivity and movementbehaviour in PD patients following cued application of LD probably dueto an augmented synthesis and release of dopamine and othercatecholamines and release in the prefrontal cortex, the nucleusaccumbens and the basal ganglia. Small changes in catecholaminemodulation of prefrontal cortex cells can have profound effects on theability of the prefrontal cortex to guide behaviour. Previous exercisemay also improve pedunculopontine nucleus function, which is involved inmotor-related attention processes.
Can Regular Yoga “Cure” Diseases?
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
By Michael Hutch PhD
Various forms of yoga have beenscientifically shown to handle and perhaps even remedy variouspersistent diseases. Listed below are various medical issues that havebeen proved scientifically to be improved by yoga.
Asthma: Yogabreathing exercises possibly could assist sufferers of mild asthma andmay help decrease their use of low-dose drug inhalers in wheezingattacks. Researchers from the Respiratory Medicine Unit, CityUniversity, Nottingham, call for added studies of ways of improvingbreathing mastery which they say have been largely unheeded by Westernmedicine. while yoga practitioners have long believed in the benefits ofpranayama breathing exercises for asthmatics, this has been difficultto examine formally. But, using a Pink City lung a device that imposesslow breathing on the user and can mimic pranayama breathing exercises it was possible to measure the effects of controlled breathing in ahospital test. Two simulated pranayama exercises were tested: slow deepbreathing and breathing out for twice as long as breathing in. Inasthma, the airways become restricted making breathing difficult. It isincreasing in the UK, with more than three million children and adultsaffected, and are responsible for 2,000 deaths annually. The doctorsused standard clinical tests to measure the volume of air patients wereable to blow out in a second and to test the irritability of theirairways. After yoga, their airways were two times less irritable.
Parkinsonsdisease: Yoga has a key purpose in management of Parkinsons as it hasemerged as a helpful alternate therapy and an ideal mode of exercise forParkinsons patients because of its gradual movements. Following thesteps mentioned below could successfully help individuals withParkinsons: 1. Concentrate on controlling your breath (Pranayama) asthis brand of yoga helps in moments of panic such as feet sticking tothe flooring when walking. In this form of yoga, the mind is alwayswatchful. 2. Few yoga exercises like back strengthening postures, lotsof shoulder movements, breathing practices and some meditationpositively helps. 3. One of the most useful forms of yoga used forParkinsons is Ashtanga Yoga. It works to strengthen the body andperform increases blood circulation. 4. day-to-day practice of yoga isall-important since Parkinsons itself does not inevitably weaken themuscles. Weakening of muscles is ordinarily caused by lack of motion.Daily exercise should be encouraged, but not enough to generatetiredness. 5. Parkinsons also result in the loss of motility of thefacial muscles. Pranayama and supplementary yoga movements could aid inrelaxing those muscles and bring a smile on the face of the patient.
Diabetes:Diabetes in a lot of forms affects up to 5percent of the worldpopulation with 12 million diabetics in Western Europe alone. Of theunique ways in which diabetes presents, noninsulin-dependent diabetesmellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most usually encountered geneticcondition. NIDDM or Type II diabetes is multifactorial, depending alsoon environmental factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyles andnutritional imbalances. One of the studies conducted to cure diabeteswas the one set up by the Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded in 1982 bybiochemist Dr Robin Monro, and an Indian yoga research foundation whichdiscovered that practicing yoga for 30 minutes a day for one monthhelped reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics.The yoga patientstook part in one or two 90-minute sessions a week and were asked topractise at home. The classes included the particular yoga exercises ofthe spinal twist, the bow and abdominal breathing. At the conclusion ofthe 12 weeks blood sugar levels fell significantly in all patients inthe group and were slightly raised in a control group which had notjoined in the yoga sessions. Three yoga students managed to cutbacktheir medication, including one man who had not altered his drug regimenfor 20 years. It is not necessarily the exercise element of the yogatherapy package which is most significant, as there is not adequatephysical exercise to account for the changes, but stress decrease has alot to do with it. Stress hormones increase sugar levels in the blood.individuals also benefit from the stabilisation of their moods whichyoga brings, an increased perception of well-being and a belief of beingmore in mastery, which may assist with their diet control andconsequently their diabetes.
Computer use and physical exercise may reduce risk of memory loss
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Crack open a book and hop on a stationary bike to ward off memory loss.
Thecombination of moderate physical exercise and computer use may helpreduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment later in life, Mayo Clinicresearchers found.
Individually, the effects of moderate exerciseand computer use prove to significantly reduce the risk of mildcognitive impairment, according to the study.
But Yonas Geda, aneuropsychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic, said, The combined effects arebetter than the arithmetic sum of the individual effects.
Mildcognitive impairment is the intermediate stage between normal cognitiveaging and dementia, he said. He gave the example of people losing theirkeys on occasion, which would be considered a normal occurrence.Forgetting about a flight or another important event, however, may besigns of mild cognitive impairment and early stages of Alzheimersdisease, he said.
Normal cognitive aging involves the brainfunction to remain intact, while a decrease in processing speed in thebrain occurs, said Dr. Diana Kerwin in the Division of Geriatrics atNorthwestern University. In the absence of cognitive diseases, it isexpected that people take longer to do their taxes or balance theircheckbooks, she said.
People in the study who engaged in anyamount of moderate exercise were 36 percent less likely to have mildcognitive impairment than people who did not exercise.
Those whoparticipated in any amount of computer use were 44 percent less likelyto have mild cognitive impairment than people who did not use thecomputer.
The joint effect of moderate exercise and computer usecauses synergistic interaction, explains Geda, which is greater thanif each exercise were performed independently.
Exercise can helpdelay or prevent the onset of cognitive decline, said Kerwin, who alsois affiliated with the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimers DisorderCenter in the Neurobehavioral Clinic at Northwestern University.Exercise can also maintain healthy blood vessels and glucose levels andlower blood pressure, she said.
The 926 participants, ages 70 to90, were evaluated in a case-control study, which meant acause-and-effect relationship could not be drawn from the data, Gedasaid.
Since there is not a cause-and-effect relationship, thereis a possibility that people who engage in physical and mental exerciseare less likely to show memory loss or that a person with memory loss isless likely to perform mental and physical activities.
We knowas far as successful aging, one of the best activities is to remainengaged, Kerwin said, whether it be social, cognitive, physicalexercise, or a combination.
Geda recommended craft activities,such as knitting and quilting, social activities and any other moderatephysical exercise to reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Kerwinsuggested that people participate in activities that are cognitivelychallenging, but also activities that they are interested in. If peopleenjoy the activity, it increases the likelihood that theyll do it,she said.
Barbara Wijnicki, a 73-year-old Chicago resident, keepsactive by taking yoga and dance classes, walking regularly and readingbooks.
I always have a book to read and I think it may behelping me with my mental capactity, she said. I believe that justbeing active and being with other people is good for the brain and themental part.
Passive Range of Motion Exercises for Parkinson's Disease
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Parkinson's disease is a motor system disorder caused by a decrease or loss of dopamine in the brain, with symptoms such as trembling of limbs, jaw and face as well as stiffness, slow movement, bodily instability and poor coordination. These symptoms can cause difficulty with talking, walking and performing everyday tasks. Passive range of motion exercises are performed by a caregiver on a patient who is unable to exercise on his own. Research by Dr. Beth Fisher at the University of South Carolina shows that exercise can slow or ease the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Head and Neck
Chin-to-chest, head turns and head tilts are common passive range of motion exercises for Parkinson's patients. Allow the patient to stay in bed but remove the pillow so that her head is flat against the bed. Place one hand under her head and one under her chin for support. For a chin-to-chest exercise, gently lift the patient's head and tip her chin towards her chest. For a head turn, place your hands on both sides of the patient's face. Slowly turn the patient's head to one side, until her nose lines up above her shoulder, and repeat for the other side. For a head tilt, tilt the patient's head to each side by gently easing the each ear to the corresponding shoulder.
Shoulders and Elbows
Begin with one arm at a time, then switch sides. Place the patient's arm so that his palm is towards his body. Keep one hand on under his elbow (keeping it as straight as possible) and hold his wrist for support. Bring the arm forward and up toward the patient's head so that the inner arm touches his ear. Next, swing the arm across the body towards the opposite shoulder. Swing it back to his side. Keep the patient's arm at his side. Bend the elbow so thumb and fingers are pointing up. Rotate the arm so the fingers are now pointing down. Rotate the arm so the palm is facing up. Bend the elbow so that the fingers touch the corresponding shoulder, if possible.
Legs
Gently hold the left leg up a few inches off the bed. Move the leg out to the right as far as possible, then move it inwards and cross it over the left leg. Repeat for the other side. Next, place the leg flat on the bed. Rotate the leg inwards so the big tow touches the bed. Rotate it outwards so that the pinky toe touches the bed. Repeat for the other leg.
Source: Livestrong
Exercise Effect on Parkinson’s Studied
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Researchers at the new Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at BarrowNeurological Institute in Phoenix launched a study this month designedto determine the physical and neurological impact of simple exercise onParkinsons disease patients age 50 to 70.
During the 12-weektrial, participants follow a structured exercise program calledpole-striding (walking with ski-like poles) three days a week for 45minutes.
They are monitored and coached by staff members fromthe Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. They wear heart rate monitors andpedometers to measure the intensity of the training.
Participantsbrains are monitored to determine if increased physical activity helpsprotect the neurons in the brain from the disease.
Parkinsons Disease Advice On Mobility Products For Parkinsons Disease Patients.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Parkinsons disease is a difficult and frustrating illness affecting onein 500 people in the UK. There are a wealth of services, advice andproducts on hand that can help with symptoms and side effectsassociated with Parkinsons disease, making life easier for both careersand patients.
Parkinsons disease or PD as it can often be calledis a movement disorder that persists over a long period of time andprogressively gets worse. This degenerative disorder attacks thecentral nervous system resulting in impaired motor skills that causetremors, muscle rigidity, and slowing or loss of physical movement.
Exerciseand mobility are the best things you can do/ or encourage to restoresome independence against Parkinsons negative effects. Medical expertsview exercise with the same level of importance as medication when itcomes to the management of Parkinsons disease. Exercise helps bykeeping muscles strong and improving flexibility and mobility, as wellas recovering balance and preventing joint stiffening. For exampleinvesting in a Pedal Exerciser can help re-establish muscle strength inthe lower body and is easy to use in the home.
Getting out andabout is important, as it a great source of both physical and mentalactivity improving the quality of life for the Parkinsons patient.Mobility Aids such as walking sticks are designed to provide supportfor those who have difficulty keeping their balance. A Parkinson'spatient tends to stoop forward and shuffle, so the Quad Cane would be arecommended strong support for the patient. However there is theWalking Stick Seat that as implied in its name, has a seat for when theuser feels fatigued and can be easily folded for storage or travel.
Freezing,getting locked in one position is an immobilizing symptom of Parkinsonsthat prevents the patient from walking. The Parkinsons sufferer cannotseem to focus on taking another step however there is a mobility aid onthe market that combats this problem. This mobility product is a laserthat come attached to walking stick, beaming a line onto the groundencouraging the user to step over it. To purchase this specialist item,or to request further details please email mail@collinscare.co.uk, orcall 01603 483883.
Hand tremors can be an embarrassing symptomof Parkinsons, but one that can often be compensated for by usingmobility utensils. For example the Sure Grip Cup has deep groves toresist slippage and the Good Grips Weighted Cutlery has added weight toengage more muscle control. These products and many more allow theParkinson's patient to remain more independent, which can help with theside effect of depression that can be related to this disease.
TAI CHI AND PARKINSONS?
Monday, January 04, 2010
Tai Chi movements gentle balance enhancing motions can obviously helpthe Parkinsons patient by helping to reduce the gradual loss ofbalance that Parkinsons sufferers often experience. However, there maybe much more it offers. For example, Tai Chi movements rotate the humanbody in about 95% of the ways the body can move, when a long form ispracticed. This is far beyond what other exercise offers, and in factthe closest would be several swimming strokes, which together wouldonly rotate the body in about 65% of the ways it can move. ForParkinsons sufferers, or anyone for that matter, this would indicatethat by using 95% of the bodys possible motion several times a week,the possibility of losing the ability to do so diminishesaccordingly. This isnt rocket science, but simple common sense.
Yet,perhaps Parkinsons patients have even more to gain from Tai Chi. A fewyears ago I taught several classes at local medical centers. I wascontinually frustrated because although Id seen emerging reports thatTai Chi was beneficial to people with Parkinsons Disease, orarthritis, or chronic hypertension, etc., even though the departmentsthat specialized in those conditions were often just down the hall frommy Tai Chi class . . . they might as well have been a million milesaway. Because the physicians who ran those departments were eitherignorant of or unwilling to refer their patients to the possibilitiesthat Tai Chi offered their lives.
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