Wii-hab boosts Parkinson's treatments

Nintendo has been sneaking exercise into their consoles for years. With the advent of the Wii and its games like Wii Sports and, of course, the Wii Fit, video games have slowly been growing into something much more active. Nintendo has even created a pedometer for a new version of Pokémon DS. However, scientists are taking the idea of active video games to a new level, using Wii Sports as a unique treatment for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Much to this writer’s delight, the therapy is gaining notoriety under the name of Wii-hab.


Presented at the fifth annual Games for Health Conference, researchers from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) showed how just four weeks of play exacted marked improvements in patients suffering from Parkinson’s at varying degrees of severity. Using games that require finesse in bilateral movement, eye-hand coordination, and figure-ground relationship is an ideal way to help a person afflicted with a disease that impairs motor skills. Playing rounds of Wii tennis, bowling, and boxing three times a week for a month was all the longer it took to see changes.

Dr. Ben Hertz, a director of Occupational Therapy at MCG, explained that “participants showed significant improvements in rigidity, movement, fine motor skills and energy levels. Perhaps most impressively, most participants' depression levels decreased to zero.” [MCG] Depression is a major impact factor in Parkinson’s, with at least half of the patients reporting the mental illness.

No neurological studies have been done to solidify the reasons behind the improvement. However, Hertz believes that the combination of exercise and video games helps boost dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that is severely deficient in Parkinson’s disease. That is the motivation behind using the Wii over another video game system; Wii requires whole-body movement instead of the simple isolated finger movements on a traditional controller.

Expect more results from the new Wii-hab movement. Hertz’s next plan is to investigate the effects of Wii Fit on Parkinson’s with the help of a $45,000 grant from the National Parkinson’s Foundation. "Game systems are the future of rehab," Dr. Herz said. "About 60 percent of the study participants decided to buy a Wii for themselves. That speaks volumes for how this made them feel."

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Video games may have potential health benefits

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative is exploring how digital games can improve health for people of all ages.

Health Games Research, a national program supported by the foundation, awarded about $1.85 million in grants Nov. 5 to study games that engage players in physical activities or motivate them to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Among the grant recipients is the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Researchers there will test the effects of games on the brain activity and facial perception skills of 8- to 12-year-olds who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The games will challenge them to notice subtle differences in faces and expressions, a skill lacking in many children with autism.

Researchers at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., will study three modes of exercise involving: "Winds of Orbis," a video game that uses upper- and lower-body movement to control characters; "Dance Dance Revolution," which involves dancing on a pad that detects a player's steps; and traditional school physical education activities.

Participants will be inner-city elementary school students randomly assigned to the activities. Researchers will measure the students' enjoyment level, attitudes toward physical activity, and amount of exercise and calories burned.

Meanwhile, Teachers College at Columbia University in New York will evaluate the effectiveness of a smoking reduction game application for mobile phones. A group at Long Island University's Brooklyn, N.Y., campus will assess the benefits of "Dance Dance Revolution" in helping Parkinson's disease patients reduce their risk of falling.

"We are seeing a lot of evidence that games are a great environment for learning and for behavior change," said Debra Lieberman, PhD, director of Health Games Research (www.healthgamesresearch.org).

Lieberman also is a communication researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Institute for Social, Behavioral and Economic Research.

"If you can design a game well that aligns the health goals with the game goals, you can really get people motivated to learn about health and try out new skills," she said.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

The Benefits of Exercise for People Who Suffer From Parkinson’s Disease

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 wellbeing. 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 of activities 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 patient’s 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 as long as possible. Good posture is essential in the later stages of Parkinson’s 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 watching TV 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 may be 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.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Slide Leg Raise

Purpose: Helps strengthen muscles of the hips and thighs


1. Find a firm and steady table or chair that will not move. Hold onto the steady surface (such as a chair or table) firmly for balance, with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart.
2. Slowly lift your leg out to your side. Try moving it about 6-10 inches from where your leg is at rest. Try keeping your back and legs straight, and your toes facing forward.
3. Hold position for 1-2 seconds.
4. Slowly lower your leg. Pause for 5-10 seconds to rest.
5. Repeat movement with your other leg.
6. Alternate exercising your legs until you have done 10 repetitions with each leg.
7. After a short rest period, do another set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Theracycle the new exercise solution!

At last, there is a home medical device that allows people who have Parkinson's disease to get more physical activity! If you no longer have the strength, coordination or stamina to get the meaningful physical activity you need, a Theracycle is the perfect medical device for you.

The Theracycle is a motor powered, computer monitored medical device designed to guide the user through a programmed workout. The unique motorized Theracycle delivers an efficient full range-of-motion workout that can help you:

■develop strength, mobility and flexibility
■increase energy, endurance and general well-being
■improve muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness
■provide safe in-home exercise and movement therapy

A testimonial from Dr. David Heydrick, a well known neurologist living with Parkinson's disease:
"I have a Theracycle at home and use it in the evenings. As a neurologist and person with Parkinson's, I am impressed with the passive and voluntary cycling and the empowerment the Theracycle offers in fighting back against the disease."

Theracycle users with Parkinson's disease find that they have:

Reduced rigidity and tremor

Reduced bradykinesia

Improved flexibility and balance

Improved bladder and bowel function

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Parkinson’s patients test gum to help swallowing

Researchers in southwestern Ontario are trying to determine if chewing gum will ease swallowing problems among people with Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's is a degenerative nerve disease that affects more than 100,000 Canadians, and can cause swallowing difficulty as the disease progresses, according to the Parkinson Society Canada.
That's because Parkinson's symptoms such as tremor, stiffness and slow movements can affect the mechanisms used in speaking and swallowing, said neurologist and researcher Dr. Mandar Jog of the London Health Sciences Centre.
Early research points to improved swallowing among Parkinson's patients who chew gum several hours a day. Chewing is a form of exercise for the mouth. The researchers think that having gum in the mouth and chewing it may help to train Parkinson's patients to also move their tongues while eating and swallowing.
"Gum acts like sensory cue to train the system," said Jog, who is also director of the Movement Disorders Centre. Other types of training have helped people with Parkinson's. For example, when lights are placed in front of patients, the visual cue seems to help them improve their gait, Jog said. Now the team is investigating how long the benefits of gum chewing last.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Exercise: Hip Extension

Purpose: Helps strengthen lower-back muscles and buttocks

1. Find a firm and steady table or chair that will not move. Stand 12-18 inches from this table or chair, with your feet slightly apart.
2. Face the steady object, hold onto it. Then, bend forward at your hips at about a 45-degree angle and hold on to the table or chair for balance.
3. Slowly lift one of your legs straight backwards without bending your knee, pointing your toes, or bending your upper body forward.
4. Hold position for 1-2 seconds.
5. Slowly lower your leg. Pause for 5-10 seconds to rest.
6. Repeat movement with your other leg.
7. Alternate exercising your legs until you have done 10 repetitions with each leg.
8. After a short rest period, do another set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Exercise: Knee Extension

Purpose: Helps strengthen thigh and shin muscles.
(Required item: A towel.)

1. Sit in a sturdy armless chair. The back of the chair should support you comfortably. Ensure that only your toes and the balls of your feet touch the ground. If required, put a rolled towel under your knees, to elevate your feet to the proper height. Next, place your hands on your thighs or on the sides of the chair.
2. Slowly extend one of your legs in front of you. Try to make this movement as straight as possible.
3. Next, flex your foot to point your toes towards your head.
4. Hold the position for 1-2 seconds.
5. Lower the leg back down to the floor. Pause for 5-10 seconds to rest.
6. Repeat movement with your other leg.
7. Alternate exercising your legs until you have done 10 repetitions with each leg.
8. After a short rest period, do another set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Exercise: Shoulder Flexion

Purpose: Helps strengthen shoulder muscles. (Required item: A set of 1 lb. hand weights.)


1. Sit in a sturdy armless chair. The back of the chair should support you comfortably. 2. Keep your feet firmly on floor in line with your shoulders. 3. Hold a set of hand weights (a recommended starting weight is 1lb. for each weight) straight down at your sides, with your palms facing inward. 4. Now, slowly raise both arms in front of you (keep your hands straight and rotate them so your palms face upward) to shoulder height. 5. Hold position for 1-2 seconds. 6. Slowly lower your arms to your sides. Pause for 5-10 seconds to rest. 7. Then, repeat the exercise about 10 additional times. 8. After a short rest period, do another set of 10 repetitions of this exercise. For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Exercise: Arm Raise

Purpose: Helps strengthen shoulder muscles.
(Required item: A set of 1 lb. hand weights.)

1. Sit in a sturdy armless chair. The back of the chair should support you comfortably.
2. Keep your feet flat on floor.
3. Hold a set of hand weights (a recommended starting weight is 1 lb. for each weight) straight down at your sides, with your palms facing inward.
4. Raise both arms at your side, to shoulder height.
5. Hold the position for 1-2 seconds.
6. Slowly lower your arms to your sides. Pause for 5-10 seconds to rest.
7. Then, repeat the exercise about 10 additional times.
8. After a short rest period, do another set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.

For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Stretching Exercises for Parkinson's Disease

By Sarena Ulibarri

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative muscle disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, trouble balancing and lack of mobility. The symptoms generally worsen over time, and there is no known cure. In addition to medication and close medical care, exercise is commonly recommended to improve functioning and quality of life in those with Parkinson's disease. Exercise classes that focus on stretching, such as yoga, tai chi and Pilates, may be especially beneficial.

Benefits
Few studies have tested long-term effectiveness of stretching exercises for Parkinson's disease, but according to a Cornell study, patients who took part in gentle yoga classes for Parkinson's disease reported an overall improvement in their sense of well-being, including decreased stiffness and tension, and increased mobility and energy. Stretching exercises can also help counteract the postural changes caused by Parkinson's disease, including rounding forward of the shoulders and spine. In addition to physical benefits, group exercise classes may provide emotional support that can help people cope with Parkinson's disease.

One cause of Parkinson's disease is an insufficient amount of dopamine in the brain; the cause of the decrease in dopamine is unknown and may be genetic. According to a 2002 study at the John F. Kennedy Institute, restorative or meditative yoga has been shown to increase dopamine levels, which may be one reason why Parkinson's disease patients report improvement after practicing yoga.
Types
If you have Parkinson's disease, take care when choosing an exercise program, and opt for a gentle and noncompetitive practice. Some hospitals or recovery centers have exercise classes for Parkinson's disease that focus specifically on stretching exercises as symptom management. Choose a yoga class for Parkinson's disease labeled as "gentle" or "restorative," and always talk to the instructor about your condition and particular concerns. Pilates is a system of exercise that focuses on small controlled movements and strengthening the core. Pilates classes for Parkinson's disease should be a gentler practice than those offered at many gyms and studios, but you can always ask the instructor for modifications. Tai chi and qigong classes also offer stretching exercises that are beneficial for those with Parkinson's disease.

Examples
The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability recommends gentle stretching exercises for Parkinson's that focus on the arms, legs and neck, as well as gentle twists, forward bends and side bends. Neck exercises include head tilts, chin tucks and head turns that decrease stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Yoga poses such Bound Angle Pose (baddha konasana), Head to Knee Pose (janu sirsasana), Standing Side Bend (Chandrasana), Wind Relieving Pose (pavanamuktasana) and Half Lord of the Fishes (ardha matsyendrasana) are beneficial stretching exercises for Parkinson's disease.

For more informations go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Parkinson: Special Exercises To Improve Symptoms

With the help of an exercise you can take action against your complaints. The training also contribute to physical therapy to counteract poor posture around the back and neck and strengthen the muscles. On Parkinson’s disease sufferers are suffering), inter alia, poverty of movement (akinesia), and muscle stiffness (rigidity. Consequently, their movements are disturbed and the movement will be charged uniformly.
According to the dPV go for lack of exercises in the course of the disease, lost a lot of normal movement patterns, which stunted the unused muscles. Several studies have already provided evidence that exercise training helps many Parkinson’s patients in everyday life. For example, strength training can promote the ability to climb stairs, while Special Mobilisationsübungen help to preserve the balance.

Targeted training contributes to the increase in mobility, and also improves blood flow in the brain. Through the practice of more complex movements can be nerve cells activate and deactivate a wide area. Thus the distribution of the neurotransmitter dopamine and serotonin, whose metabolism in the brain in Parkinson’s syndrome is impaired, increased. Moreover, complex motions by the formation of nerve cells are stimulated.

For more information go to: www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org

Simple steps to create your own exercise program and follow it.

Exercise is good for most people, but not everyone. If you are living with Parkinson's disease, be sure to discuss any exercise program with your doctor before you begin. Again, work with your doctor to assess the right exercise program to fit your current Parkinson's disease symptoms and specific needs.

Exercise can be an important additional therapy in treating Parkinson's disease.

An exercise program should include aerobic, strengthening, and stretching activities.

Most patients can still exercise, regardless of their stage of Parkinson’s disease.

Now you know the good news. Exercise is not only healthy for most Parkinson's disease patients, it can also be beneficial in maintaining strength, aiding in relaxation, reducing stress, and helping you feel more in control of your health. Research has also shown that exercise can also have a beneficial effect on a patient's mood or well-being.

Here are some simple steps to create your own exercise program and follow it.
Write out your exercise goals and a schedule.
What fitness goals do you have in mind? Aerobic fitness? Increasing strength? Staying flexible? Agree with your doctor on your exercise goals. Next, write out the days and times of the week that you plan to exercise. Create “appointments” on your calendar, so you’ll stick to your program and follow your exercise plan. If necessary consider seated exercises.

Find a workout friend.
Consider finding a friend to work out with you. The extra company and conversation will make it easier to work out, since people tend to be less focused on the physical activity and more on the person they’re with.

Set a goal and reward yourself.
Practice setting exercise goals for yourself. When you achieve one of your goals, give yourself a reward: a movie night, a visit to your favorite bookstore, or some time at a café. This can help you stay motivated to continue your exercise program.

Listen to music.
Some people find listening to music a great way to stay with their exercise program. Try taking a CD player, radio, or MP3 player with you on your workouts. You may find that it gives you the extra burst of energy that you need to do your exercises.

Exercises For The Parkinson Patient

Just as running water does not freeze, so moving muscles do not freeze.
Know the facts. The maintenance of normal muscle tone and function is an important aspect of the treatment of parkinsonism. In part, medication administered for your illness achieves this goal. However, to realize the full benefit of the medication daily exercise and activity are essential. This booklet outlines some of the exercises capable of maintaining muscle power and tone and preventing deformities of the limbs and spine. Their daily performance has proved most beneficial to patients with this illness.

TEN BASIC EXERCISES FOR THE PARKINSON PATIENT
1. Bring the toes up with every step you take. In Parkinson's disease, "you never make a move", without lifting the toes.

2. Spread the legs (10 inches) when walking or turning, to provide a wide base, a better stance, and to prevent falling. It may not look "beautiful," but neither does falling.

3. For greater safety in turning, use small steps, with feet widely separated. Never cross one leg over the other when turning. Practice walking a few yards and turn. Walk in the opposite direction and turn. Do so fifteen minutes a day.

4. Practice walking into tight corners of a room, to overcome fear of close places.

5. To insure good body balance, practice rapid excursions of the body. Backward, forward and to the right and left, five minutes, several times a day. Don't look for a wall when you think you are falling. It may not be there. Your body will always be there to protect you, if you will practice balance daily.

6. When the legs feel frozen or "glued" to the floor, a lift of the toes eliminates muscle spasm and the fear of falling. You are free to walk again.

7. Swing the arms freely when walking. It helps to take body weight off the legs, lessens fatigue, and loosens the arms and shoulders.

8. If getting out of a chair is difficult, rise with "lightning speed," to overcome the "pull of gravity." Sitting down should be done slow, with body bent sharply forward, until one touches the seat. Practice this at least a dozen times a day.

9. If the body lists to one side, carry a shopping bag loaded with books or other weights in the opposite hand to decrease the bend.

10. Any task that is difficult, such as buttoning a shirt. or getting out of bed, if practiced 20 times it day, becomes easier the 21st time.

FOR TIGHT MUSCLES AND POOR POSTURE
STANDING
1. Stand ln front of a wall, facing it about 8" away. Raise arms and reach as high as possible toward the top of the wall. Lean toward the wall and stretch.

2. With your back to the wall, alternate raising legs as high as possible by bending the knee as if marching in place.

3. Holding on to something secure, squat down as far as possible, bending knees; then come up.

SITTING
1. Sitting in straight-back chair, place your arms behind the chair and bring your shoulders back as far as possible; raise your head up and look at the ceiling.

2. Sitting In the same chair, grip the ends of a broom or mop stick with both hands, try to raise it over your head until you get it behind your head. Keep head and shoulders as erect as possible.

3. Sitting in same chair, place one leg at a time on another chair and press the knee straight. Keep it there 15 minutes. Try both legs together.

4. Sitting in a chair, raise legs up from the knee alternately, as if stamping your feet.

LYING ON A FIRM BED OR FLOOR
1. Lie on the floor or bed, flat on your back; try to press your body to the floor as flat as possible. Move your head from right to left as far as possible. Make sure your head, shoulders, back, and knees touch the surface.

2. Lie on the floor or bed on your abdomen. Do the following one by one:

1. Put your hands behind back and look up to ceiling, trying to raise your chest off the floor.
2. Kick your legs alternately, as if swimming.
3. Turn your head from right to left.

FOR BETTER BALANCE
1. Stand with hands on hips, feet spread apart:

1. Practice marching in place
2. Practice raising leg straight out to the rear.
3. Practice raising leg out to the side.
4. Practice drawing a circle with the leg.

2. Standing with hands at side, feet spread apart:

1. Lean forward and back
2. Lean to both sides
3. Lean in a circular motion and reverse the motion

FOR WALKING
1. When walking, REMEMBER:

1. Take as large a step as possible
2. Raise your toes as you step forward, hitting ground with your heels
3. Keep legs apart and posture straight
4. Swing arms and look straight ahead - your feet know where the floor is located.

2. Collect a dozen magazines; lay them out in a straight line. Space them so that you can take as long a step as possible. Practice walking over these magazines without stepping on them.

3. For a better swing to arms, walk holding a rolled magazine in each hand; keep elbows straight.

4. Practice walking sideways, backwards, and take big steps.

FOR TURNING
1. When practicing turning:

1. Keep feet spread-apart and head high
2. Use small steps; rock front side to side
3. Raise legs from the knees

2. If you feel glued to the floor:

1. Raise your head, relax back on your heels and raise your toes
2. Rock from side to side, bend knees slightly and straighten up and lift your toes
3. It sometimes helps if the arms are raised in a sudden short motion

FOR GETTING IN AND OUT OF A CHAIR
1. If you become glued a few steps before you reach the chair, try this: Don't aim for the chair but some object past it. Pass the chair as closely as possible and as you go by it sit down.

2. To sit down, bend forward as far as possible and sit down slowly. Get close to the chair. Do not fall into the chair.

3. To get up, move to the edge of the chair, bend forward and push up vigorously using your arms; try to count 1 2 3 GO! If you have a favorite armchair, raise the back legs with 4" blocks. This will help you to get up easily. Don't let people drag you up by your arms, but help you by pulling you under your arms, or with a slight push on your back.

FOR GETTING OUT OF BED
1. Place blocks under the legs of the head of the bed. This will elevate the head of the bed, & make it easier for you to sit up and swing the legs off the bed.

2. A knotted rope tied to the foot of the bed can help you to pull yourself up.

3. To get to a sitting position, shift the body down and rock yourself by vigorously, throwing your arms and legs toward the side of the bed.

FOR USING YOUR ARMS AND HANDS
1. Practice buttoning and unbuttoning your clothes; practice cutting food and writing. Squeeze a ball or work with "Silly Putty." Keep your fingers busy many times a day. Tear paper; take coins out of the pocket; play the piano.

2. Always try to dress yourself completely. Use shoehorns, elastic laces, or extra-long shoelaces to get a better grip. Dress in the most relaxed and comfortable position, sitting or standing, but make sure you are in a safe position.

3. To keep elbows straight and shoulders loose, install a pulley in doorway, place a chair under it or slightly in front. Stretch your arms and shoulders in all directions. By working the pulley when seated, you can get a more vigorous pull.

FOR GREATER SAFETY IN BATHTUB AND TOILET
If it is difficult to sit down in a bathtub, try the following:

1. Place a bench, stool or chair inside the tub; have the legs sawed off to tub height. Sit on the chair and soap yourself. Use shower to rinse, or rubber shower extension.

2. Bathtub grab bars are available. Purchase only those that attach securely.

3. Raised toilet seats are commercially available.

4. Toilet armrest for getting on and off the toilet are available.

FOR SPEECH, FACE AND CHEWING DIFFICULTIES
1. Practice singing and reading aloud with forceful lip movements. Talk into a tape recorder, if one is available.

2. Practice making faces in front of a mirror. Recite the alphabet and count numbers with exaggerated facial motions. Massage your face with vigor when washing and bathing.

3. When chewing food, chew hard and move the food around; avoid swallowing large lumps.

The previously outlined general exercises and suggestions are designed to help you. They are ancillary to medical treatment which should be carried out in consultation with your physician. In special instances where other diseases are associated with parkinsonism, your physician may wish to limit the intensity of your physical activity. Conversely, more intensive physical therapy may be indicated and in some instances should be done under the direction of a physical therapist.

All activities possible should be engaged in: work, walking, shopping, house chores, gardening, visiting, senior clubs, church organizations, travel, theater, swimming, sports, gymnasium, health clubs, "Y" activities, etc.


For more information and resources about Parkinson's disease you can check out www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org It's one of the most comprehensive websites on the internet for Parkinson's disease information.

Dancing for all ages at Dennis Senior Center

SOUTH DENNIS - Alyce Potvin, 97, grimaced and waved to the reporter entering the room. Potvin, along with six other senior citizens with more than 80 birthdays behind them, were “dancing” to the music Golden Age Society director Avis Kaeselau had playing.

“We talk, we have lunch, we exercise. It’s fun here,” said Potvin, who had impishly skirted the senior center’s van destined for her biweekly group. Instead, she first opted to grocery shop at Patriot Square. “Have you ever tasted this?” she asked of a bottle of country French salad dressing. “I thought I’d try it. I like salads. Don’t eat much of anything else these days.”

Although Potvin wouldn’t say if her dietary preferences are the secret to longevity, she walks unassisted and is happy to participate in the Golden Age Society. “It’s just what the doctor ordered,” she said, giggling since her doctor had ordered no such thing.

Following lunch on a recent Friday, the group was exercising under Kaeselau’s direction. “Tighten your knee and stick your other foot out,” she encouraged. “OK, Dottie, you’re doing great. Ten more beats, then you can rest.”

The five women and two men come every Tuesday and Friday to enjoy time together. They help and encourage each other, sensitive to the various needs that accompany age.

“I have a dream, a song to sing, it helps me cope with everything,” sang Abba, as the group of seniors rotated their arms and ankles. “This will help keep you stable,” Kaeselau said, encouraging them to reach further.

As the workout proceeded, it became clear that one woman needed assistance, and it came quickly. “OK, you’re OK now,” Kaeselau said. Relief washed over the others as they continued the routine. “Now let’s end it gently by walking in place,” Kaeselau encouraged.
“Such exercise!” said Don, a man well into his 80s.

In her heyday, Roberta “Bobby” Guarante, was in the WAVES during World War II. Asked if she enjoyed dancing with the GIs, Guarante said, “I love to dance, but I’m not good at it.” Others shared their dancing backgrounds, including Dottie Glidden of South Dennis, who said she met her husband 50 years ago at Kimball’s Starlight Ballroom, just outside Wakefield.

As the group scattered for their return home on the senior center’s van, Potvin said, “It’s nice to come here. You meet lots of people your own age who understand you.”

Kaeselau said the program prevents isolation. “Most of them don’t drive anymore, they live alone or with children or a spouse. They have different degrees of mental and physical limitations, but they enjoy this program at whatever level they’re able to participate.”

Kaeselau, who in 1972 became Massachusetts’ first female emergency medical technician, is prepared for any medical emergencies that may occur during the 4-hour program. “They’re very safe with me,” she said.

Baby-boomer opportunities
The Dennis Senior Center offers many weekday programs for retired folks. These range from opportunities to play bridge, mahjongg and cribbage with other like-minded folks to learning to paint, operate computers, cane chairs and build model ships.

Designed for younger seniors still working, offerings include Mary Jane Doonan’s tap-dancing classes beginning at 5 p.m. Mondays.

With students ranging from 50 to 78, Doonan offers beginner and intermediate tap classes. “The intermediates are a combination of people who started with me five or six years ago and moved up and those who excelled at tapping as children and have returned in their later years,” Noonan said.

The classes are an opportunity for women to exercise together to music. One dancer’s pedometer testifies to burning about 500 calories per hour.

“People can come with leather-sole shoes for the first classes because tap shoes are expensive, and I want them to be sure they want to continue before investing in shoes,” Noonan said.

One tapper, a former ballerina who has Parkinson’s disease, finds that her body moves fine during classes, Noonan said.

Noonan’s tappers perform at Cape and off-Cape venues, but those who are shy are not forced to travel with the group. “Some ladies auditioned for the National AARP convention at the Boston Civic Center,” Noonan said. “About 100 groups auditioned, and 20 were selected. My girls and I were selected, and we performed all three nights.”

Tap-dancing keeps women in mental and physical shape. “It’s also good for memory, because you need to recall your steps,” Noonan said.

A square dancing group convenes Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Dancer Johanna d’Entremont, who serves as the group’s secretary, said this is the only square dancing group this side of the bridge, gathering participants from across the Cape.

Some come in costume, but most square dancers wear casual attire. “Some of our women have learned the man’s part because sometimes we’re short of men,” d’Entremont said. “Square dancing is excellent exercise and it’s a wonderful way to socialize, to meet people who share an interest.”

D’Entremont and her husband got involved in the group through Vida and Dan Demale, a couple in their 80s. “I took a computer class at the Eastham Senior Center and Vida recruited me,” she said. “They picked us up, brought us to Dennis, and that was it. We’re hooked!”

Exercise May Aid Parkinson’s Patients

ScienceDaily (May 16, 2007) — A new study from researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) shows that treadmill exercises may benefit patients with Parkinson's Disease and those with similar movement disorders.
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Recent studies have shown that exercise can have beneficial effects in patients with Parkinson's Disease but the underlying reasons haven't been fully explored. This new study using treadmill exercise in animal models looked at the effects of dopamine in motor learning and execution.

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic and degenerative disease that leads to slowness, balance disorders, tremors and difficulty in walking. The disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. It is critical as a stimulator of motor system nerves in the body. While there is no current cure for the disease, several treatments do offer relief from its symptoms.

This particular study looked at treadmill exercise and its effects between animal models with and without a loss of certain cells that are similar to what a Parkinson's Patient might suffer. Given the importance of dopamine in Parkinson's Disease, the researchers looked at changes in dopamine levels, among other results.

Researchers found that the subjects with cell loss and that exercised indeed had an effect on dopamine levels while normal subjects showed less of a difference in levels.

"Our study shows that the beneficial effects of exercise in Parkinson's Disease may be due to a more efficient use of dopamine, "says Giselle Petzinger, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the study's first author. "Surviving dopamine cells in our animal models- made to simulate what Parkinson's patients suffer with- subjected to intensive treadmill exercise appear to work harder."

Studies with John Walsh, Ph.D., associate professor at the USC Andrus Gerontology Center and a co-investigator of the study, showed that these cells release greater amounts of dopamine and decrease the rate of its removal from the synapse compared to neurons in subjects that do not undergo exercise.

The findings suggest that the benefits of treadmill exercise on motor performance may be accompanied by changes in dopamine neurotransmission that are different in the injured subjects compared to the non-injured."Studies in our animal model of Parkinson's disease support the fact that exercise is beneficial for patients with Parkinson's," says Jakowec. "Exercise may help the injured brain to work more efficiently by allowing the remaining dopamine producing neurons to work harder and in doing so may promote stronger connections in the brain."

Further studies will investigate if beneficial effects of exercise have long-term effect on the injured brain, identifying the molecular links between exercise and the brain, and to better understand the molecular mechanisms within neurons that lead to these changes.

The study is led by USC neuroscientist Michael Jakowec, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology and appears in the May 16 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

Funding for this study comes from the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Team Parkinson Los Angeles, the George and MaryLou Boone Foundation, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the US Army Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program.

Reference: "Effects of Treadmill Exercise on Dopaminergic Transmission in the 1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine-Lesioned Mouse Model of Basal Ganglia Injury", Petzinger, G.,Walsh, J.,Akopian, G., Hogg, E., Abernathy, A., Arevalo, P.,Turnquist, P., Vuckovic, M., Fisher, B.,Togasaki, D., Jakowec, M. Journal of Neuroscience, May 16, 2007.

Rehab Can Be Fun And Games

Music is helping Sally Smith find her groove.

In recent years, the tremors of Parkinson's disease have made many once-routine tasks a lot more difficult for the Topeka woman. She says she had trouble walking, sitting up straight and balancing.

She even struggled to get up from a chair, which made her feel left out at her Eagles Auxiliary meetings. When everyone else would stand to salute the flag, Sally says, she would always be sitting at the table.

Kansas Rehab therapist Karen Farron is helping Sally overcome those challenges. Many of the tools they use, though, fancy – scarves and balls for instance.

Farron says therapists at Kansas Rehab evaluate people’s strengths and people’s challenges and identify exercises to address them in a fun way. She says most people don't like to exercise, but if when told they'll feel like a kid again, it's a less threatening way to begin.

The fun does serve a serious purpose. Reaching for the scarves, for example, improves range of motion. A series of exercises with raquetballs works on coordination and grasping skills. The balls even helped Sally work to easily rise from a chair again. Ferron explains that bouncing the ball already has the weight shifted forward, and focusing on the bouncing of the ball helps a person complete the standing movement without thinking.

Many of the tasks are founded in rhythm. Working with an interactive metronome program helps patients like Sally see the reaction time in their movements. It’s a feeling that can be mimicked with music.

Ferron says Parkinson's patients in particular often have difficulty initiating movement. She says they know what they want to do but the information doesn’t translate into action. She says rhythm will help initiate movement without hesitation, which decreases the risk of falling and the feeling of frustration.

Using rhythm also helps reinforce new ways of doing familiar actions to improve function, like drawing or writing. Just a few days after learning new strategies for forming letters, Sally's writing went from illegible to clear.

Ferros says using exercises with concrete results offers another benefit. She says instead of telling a doctor they simply don't feel right, a patient can offer very specific information, such as the how much longer it takes to get up and down, or the number of steps it's now taking to cover a certain distance.

Sally says it’s working for her. She's noticed a marked improvement, and is proud she’s once again able to join in that show of patriotism, standing with her fellow group members to salute the flag.

Go The Pilates Way For A Healthy Heart, Back And Toned Body

We humans are always in the quest for the ultimate, most ideal and effective exercise mantra. Pilates is the hot and happening craze among several celebrities laying high claims of the benefits of this exercise technique. This body training technique dates back to the eighteen century where it was first introduced by a man Pilates in Germany, who despite having debilitating ailments like rickets and asthma, overcame his shortcomings and gave to the world, Pilates, a revitalizing experience combining all the senses of mind, body and soul.

The technique aims to accomplish litheness and body strength, laying less emphasis on develop muscle mass. It encompasses exercises aimed at achieve composure, focus, movement, muscle tone and agility.

Pilates resembles Yoga is many ways than one. Both employ the dual mind-body exercise practice, both pays attention to breathing and fluid movements to relax muscle and tone it. Yoga is more static form of the exercise while Pilates is a sequence of more energetic and methodical fluid movements.

Pilates, though not vigorous in nature, is excellent add-on to walking, swimming, and cycling. As it facilitates stress lowering, it encourages long term healthy heart condition.

Many with the debilitating Parkinson’s disease has immense problem in controlling their body movements. These people develop shakiness and shivering, due to which they cannot co-ordinate their movements, and become excessively inflexible and unbending. Many have to resort to medications to even carry out day-to-day movements. For such patients, Pilates comes as a God-sent. People suffering from Parkinson’s disease have meek breathing patterns while reduces the oxygen intake in the body.

Pilates lays emphasis on breathing and firming and strengthening of the key muscle areas. The key muscle areas exercised during Pilates help regain good body posture. The key emphasis is doing fluid, small movements, which is ideal for physiotherapy.

Pilates is an extremely lithe form of exercise routine which can be altered to suit every life style. The neurological disorder of Fibromyalgia, where one experiences severe body pain all over the body accompanied by severe fatigue seems to be treated by Pilates. Pilates offers add-on treatment to provide relief from some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

People experiencing lower back pain experience great change with the onset of Pilates. Pilates improves one’s immunity and aids in averting injury. It greatly tones one’s body, improves one’s posture, ideal for people with arthritis.

Tango and Parkinson's Disease

Effects of Tango on Functional Mobility in Parkinson's Disease: A Preliminary Study. (Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy)
That is the lesson from a new study reporting that when Parkinson’s patients took tango classes, their balance improved.

Problems with walking and balance are common among people with the disease, and often lead to falls. Among the difficulties, the researchers said, are shuffling and trouble turning while walking. Patients may experience a sudden “freezing” that can either slow them down or stop them entirely. They also have trouble walking while performing another activity at the same time.

The study appears in the December issue of The Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. The lead author is Madeleine E. Hackney of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The researchers described what happened when 19 Parkinson’s patients were given either 20 tango classes or 20 exercise classes. The exercise class consisted of one hour of movement, much of it in chairs or using chairs for support. The tango class was more vigorous, and focused on stretching, balance, footwork and timing.

Both groups demonstrated general improvement, but only the tango students appeared to do better when it came to balance. The improvement was fairly limited, and the researchers said more study was needed.

Physical Therapist Helps Parkinson's Patients Move It!

Physical Therapist Helps Parkinson's Patients Move It!
Move It! An Exercise and Movement Guide for Parkinson's Disease

Book and DVD by Kevin Lockette, PT

As a physical therapist, Kevin Lockette has worked with people with Parkinson’s Disease for the past 20 years. His goal is to keep those with Parkinson’s moving. His unconventional techniques and exercises are illustrated in his new book and demonstrated in his companion DVD called Move It!

Move It! is a complete movement, exercise and resource guide for people with Parkinson's Disease. The book and DVD illustrate techniques and demonstrate exercises with people who suffer from Parkinson’s, and includes:

· An overview of physical symptoms

· Medication review in easily understandable terms

· Techniques and tricks for improved mobility including bed mobility, transfers, and walking

· Anti-freezing techniques that really work

· Adaptive devices for easier everyday living

· Complete exercise programs specific for Parkinson's Disease for all physical levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced)

· Complete guide and exercise program for flexibility

I like that Move It! is an exercise program that addresses the specific needs of Parkinson’s patients at various physical levels. Kevin has developed clever techniques to remedy common problems of those with Parkinson’s. For example, his tip for dealing with a freezing episode is the Poor Man’s Hula.

It is very important for me to keep moving with Parkinson’s, and following the Move It! program may allow me to do so for as long as possible. I highly recommend it.

Further information on Move It! is available at: http://www.parkinsonsmoveit.com/home

About the Author:

Kevin Lockette has been practicing as a physical therapist in the rehabilitation field since 1989. He was a past president of HAPTA (Hawaii Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association) and the primary author of a medical text on rehabilitation, Conditioning with Physical Disabilities, Human Kinetic Publishers 1994.

Kevin has extensive experience in acute rehabilitation and is the founder of what is now the nation's largest wellness program for individuals with physical disabilities at the renown Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Kevin is a past head coach for the United States Disable Sports Team (A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee) and coached in International games including the World Championships and the Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain in 1992. Kevin is presently on the Clinical Advisory Council for the Multiple Sclerosis Society-Hawaii.

Kevin enjoys canoe paddling. He is also an avid basketball fan and attends UH sports whenever he can. Kevin is not only a physical therapist, but also father of two, an athlete, and non-fiction history buff. He is musically inclined in the harmonica and ukulele with a love for the blues.

Virtual Reality Eases Walking for Parkinson's Patients

April 15, 2009
Virtual Reality Eases Walking for Parkinson's Patients

A newly released virtual reality gait training device has been shown to improve walking and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

Parkinson's disease patients are discovering first-hand that daily exercise with the GaitAid has a positive effect on their walking ability, minimizing freezing and balance problems. The GaitAid offers a drug free, non-RX alternative with no side effects.

The easy-to-use device includes special glasses and earphones which provide sensory feedback in response to the patient's movements. A practice session involves walking with the device for up to twenty minutes with no special training needed. These practice sessions soon start to create a lasting improvement for most Parkinson's disease patients. The degree of improvement varies: some patients use the GaitAid only occasionally after a few months while others make a short session a part of their daily routine to consolidate their gains.

Daniel Neal, a Parkinson's disease patient from Palm Springs, CA., commented after receiving his GaitAid, "As soon as I tried it my mobility improved tremendously! For the first time in over a year I am already walking without a cane. I am so impressed and so grateful. I cannot wait to share the miracle with my friends who suffer from PD. Thank you!"

GaitAid is available for a no-risk trial period of 60 days.

online www.medigait.com
email: support (at) medigait (dot) com
or by phone 888-777-9906

Parkinson's Disease: Exercise and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease: Exercise and Parkinson's Disease
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 the full 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 aquarobics. 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.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience

Stay Active Helps Man with Parkinson's Disease

SAINT JOHN - Merv Cormier knows first-hand the feelings of fear, depression and "why me?" that those first diagnosed with Parkinson's disease experience.
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Noel Chenier/Telegraph-Journal
Retired phys ed teacher Merv Cormier, with his trusty camera, says a positive attitude makes it easier to fight Parkinson’s disease. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2004.

"Like everybody else, I was kind of down in the dumps," he said, recalling his own 2004 diagnosis with the degenerative disease of the central nervous system that often impairs motor skills, speech and other functions.

"For two years, I didn't dare to do too much," recalled Cormier, who lives in Champlain Heights with his wife Dorie. "There's still so many things not known about Parkinson's and the symptoms seem to vary from person to person."

Now on three medications and coping fairly well with the disease, the 63-year-old former physical education teacher has some advice to offer newly diagnosed Parkinson's patients as he and the other members of the Saint John chapter of the Parkinson Society, Maritime Region, prepare to mark April as Parkinson Awareness Month.

"The thing to do, I believe, is to stay active and not get negative thoughts running through your head," said Cormier, an avid bird watcher, photographer and gardener. "A person who is positive, it is easier for him to fight Parkinson's because, if you get down in the dumps with it, you're going to get depressed."

No matter what stage of the disease you're at, a positive attitude will help you cope.

"I didn't have much energy at first, much less than I have now and much less than when I was normal," said Cormier who, as a dedicated birder, often rises at 5:30 or 6 a.m. to seek out and photograph his feathered friends.

Apart from continued pain in his right leg, which led to his original diagnosis, his symptoms are usually mild compared to some. But when he does get overly exhausted, he can get the shakes.

"I was breaking the ice in the driveway one day this past winter and when I got thirsty, I got a glass of milk," he said. "I could barely hold it. I had to put it down right quick because I was shaking so much I couldn't squeeze my hand on the glass."

And on a recent trip to seek out the only known nesting spot of a pair of red-shouldered hawks in New Brunswick in the Gagetown area, carrying his trusty Canon 40D camera, with a 100-400 mm lens, he found he was totally worn down by the time they heard the hawk's sound near the end of a five-kilometre trek.

Cormier, who is now on a disability pension, takes his own advice by staying busy these days.

The Cap-Pelé native now has a life list of 350 species of New Brunswick birds he has seen and catalogued. And, combining his passion as a birder with his passion as a photographer, he's photographed more than 330 of those species.

Exercise for Parkinson Patients

SOURCE: Center for Neurological Studies

Know the facts. The maintenance of normal muscle tone and function is an important aspect of the treatment of parkinsonism. In part, medication administered for your illness achieves this goal. However, to realize the full benefit of the medication daily exercise and activity are essential. This booklet outlines some of the exercises capable of maintaining muscle power and tone and preventing deformities of the limbs and spine. Their daily performance has proved most beneficial to patients with this illness.
TEN BASIC EXERCISES FOR THE PARKINSON PATIENT

1. Bring the toes up with every step you take. In Parkinson's disease, "you never make a move", without lifting the toes.
2. Spread the legs (10 inches) when walking or turning, to provide a wide base, a better stance, and to prevent falling. It may not look "beautiful," but neither does falling.

3. For greater safety in turning, use small steps, with feet widely separated. Never cross one leg over the other when turning. Practice walking a few yards and turn. Walk in the opposite direction and turn. Do so fifteen minutes a day.

4. Practice walking into tight corners of a room, to overcome fear of close places.

5. To insure good body balance, practice rapid excursions of the body. Backward, forward and to the right and left, five minutes, several times a day. Don't look for a wall when you think you are falling. It may not be there. Your body will always be there to protect you, if you will practice balance daily.

6. When the legs feel frozen or "glued" to the floor, a lift of the toes eliminates muscle spasm and the fear of falling. You are free to walk again.

7. Swing the arms freely when walking. It helps to take body weight off the legs, lessens fatigue, and loosens the arms and shoulders.

8. If getting out of a chair is difficult, rise with "lightning speed," to overcome the "pull of gravity." Sitting down should be done slow, with body bent sharply forward, until one touches the seat. Practice this at least a dozen times a day.

9. If the body lists to one side, carry a shopping bag loaded with books or other weights in the opposite hand to decrease the bend.

10. Any task that is difficult, such as buttoning a shirt. or getting out of bed, if practiced 20 times it day, becomes easier the 21st time.

FOR TIGHT MUSCLES AND POOR POSTURE

STANDING

1. Stand ln front of a wall, facing it about 8" away. Raise arms and reach as high as possible toward the top of the wall. Lean toward the wall and stretch.
2. With your back to the wall, alternate raising legs as high as possible by bending the knee as if marching in place.

3. Holding on to something secure, squat down as far as possible, bending knees; then come up.

SITTING

1. Sitting in straight-back chair, place your arms behind the chair and bring your shoulders back as far as possible; raise your head up and look at the ceiling.
2. Sitting In the same chair, grip the ends of a broom or mop stick with both hands, try to raise it over your head until you get it behind your head. Keep head and shoulders as erect as possible.

3. Sitting in same chair, place one leg at a time on another chair and press the knee straight. Keep it there 15 minutes. Try both legs together.

4. Sitting in a chair, raise legs up from the knee alternately, as if stamping your feet.

LYING ON A FIRM BED OR FLOOR

1. Lie on the floor or bed, flat on your back; try to press your body to the floor as flat as possible. Move your head from right to left as far as possible. Make sure your head, shoulders, back, and knees touch the surface.
2. Lie on the floor or bed on your abdomen. Do the following one by one:

Put your hands behind back and look up to ceiling, trying to raise your chest off the floor.
Kick your legs alternately, as if swimming.
Turn your head from right to left.
FOR BETTER BALANCE

1. Stand with hands on hips, feet spread apart:
Practice marching in place
Practice raising leg straight out to the rear.
Practice raising leg out to the side.
Practice drawing a circle with the leg.
2. Standing with hands at side, feet spread apart:
Lean forward and back
Lean to both sides
Lean in a circular motion and reverse the motion
FOR WALKING

1. When walking, REMEMBER:
Take as large a step as possible
Raise your toes as you step forward, hitting ground with your heels
Keep legs apart and posture straight
Swing arms and look straight ahead - your feet know where the floor is located.
2. Collect a dozen magazines; lay them out in a straight line. Space them so that you can take as long a step as possible. Practice walking over these magazines without stepping on them.
3. For a better swing to arms, walk holding a rolled magazine in each hand; keep elbows straight.

4. Practice walking sideways, backwards, and take big steps.

FOR TURNING

1. When practicing turning:
Keep feet spread-apart and head high
Use small steps; rock front side to side
Raise legs from the knees
2. If you feel glued to the floor:
Raise your head, relax back on your heels and raise your toes
Rock from side to side, bend knees slightly and straighten up and lift your toes
It sometimes helps if the arms are raised in a sudden short motion
FOR GETTING IN AND OUT OF A CHAIR

1. If you become glued a few steps before you reach the chair, try this: Don't aim for the chair but some object past it. Pass the chair as closely as possible and as you go by it sit down.
2. To sit down, bend forward as far as possible and sit down slowly. Get close to the chair. Do not fall into the chair.

3. To get up, move to the edge of the chair, bend forward and push up vigorously using your arms; try to count 1 2 3 GO! If you have a favorite armchair, raise the back legs with 4" blocks. This will help you to get up easily. Don't let people drag you up by your arms, but help you by pulling you under your arms, or with a slight push on your back.

FOR GETTING OUT OF BED

1. Place blocks under the legs of the head of the bed. This will elevate the head of the bed, & make it easier for you to sit up and swing the legs off the bed.
2. A knotted rope tied to the foot of the bed can help you to pull yourself up.

3. To get to a sitting position, shift the body down and rock yourself by vigorously, throwing your arms and legs toward the side of the bed.

FOR USING YOUR ARMS AND HANDS

1. Practice buttoning and unbuttoning your clothes; practice cutting food and writing. Squeeze a ball or work with "Silly Putty." Keep your fingers busy many times a day. Tear paper; take coins out of the pocket; play the piano.
2. Always try to dress yourself completely. Use shoehorns, elastic laces, or extra-long shoelaces to get a better grip. Dress in the most relaxed and comfortable position, sitting or standing, but make sure you are in a safe position.

3. To keep elbows straight and shoulders loose, install a pulley in doorway, place a chair under it or slightly in front. Stretch your arms and shoulders in all directions. By working the pulley when seated, you can get a more vigorous pull.

FOR GREATER SAFETY IN BATHTUB AND TOILET

If it is difficult to sit down in a bathtub, try the following:
1. Place a bench, stool or chair inside the tub; have the legs sawed off to tub height. Sit on the chair and soap yourself. Use shower to rinse, or rubber shower extension.

2. Bathtub grab bars are available. Purchase only those that attach securely.

3. Raised toilet seats are commercially available.

4. Toilet armrest for getting on and off the toilet are available.

FOR SPEECH, FACE AND CHEWING DIFFICULTIES

1. Practice singing and reading aloud with forceful lip movements. Talk into a tape recorder, if one is available.
2. Practice making faces in front of a mirror. Recite the alphabet and count numbers with exaggerated facial motions. Massage your face with vigor when washing and bathing.

3. When chewing food, chew hard and move the food around; avoid swallowing large lumps.

The previously outlined general exercises and suggestions are designed to help you. They are ancillary to medical treatment which should be carried out in consultation with your physician. In special instances where other diseases are associated with parkinsonism, your physician may wish to limit the intensity of your physical activity. Conversely, more intensive physical therapy may be indicated and in some instances should be done under the direction of a physical therapist.

All activities possible should be engaged in: work, walking, shopping, house chores, gardening, visiting, senior clubs, church organizations, travel, theater, swimming, sports, gymnasium, health clubs, "Y" activities, etc.

Physio sessions help patients with Parkinson's disease

Dileas Sweetenham sits back in her chair and says "aaah".

She's not at the doctor's – but she might as well be.

For she is one of a group of people getting regular physiotherapy for Parkinson's disease.

Exercise is a central part of a monthly session run by the Bath branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society.

Members are offered a range of exercises designed to keep joints supple and improve general fitness.


The aim is to make automatic movement easier, with even facial muscles targeted.

Roughly half of people with the disease develop speech and communication problems, so speech exercises are also taught.

Exercises are done sitting and standing and sometimes include tai chi.

Retired GP Dileas said: "I believe exercise keeps our bodies in use – if you don't use it, you lose it. The exercise keeps me supple."

Physiotherapist Gay Moore also gives advice on specific problems associated with Parkinson's disease, such as posture and gait, balance and dexterity.

The sessions at the United Reformed Church in Odd Down finish with five minutes of dancing as movement to music has been found to help with improving sufferers' rhythm in walking.

Dileas discovered she had Parkinson's in 2003 and the 75- year-old joined the branch a year later.

Now chairman of the Bath group, she is closely involved in co-ordinating a parallel set of monthly meetings at Foxhill Community Centre.

She regularly invites medical speakers such as neurologists and academics.

Dileas said: "The lectures are very useful and it lets us keep abreast with what is going on.

"It's a chance to meet other sufferers and forge friendships."

The disease affects one in 500 people around the UK. Symptoms will usually appear in people over the age of 50 but one in 20 of those diagnosed every year will be under 40.

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Parkinson's Disease Society and the charity says it wants 2009 to be a "breakthrough year".

The branch meets twice a month, once at the church hall in Odd Down for physiotherapy sessions and once at the community centre for a social meeting.

Tai chi may help Parkinson's patients

MIAMI (Reuters Health) - While people with Parkinson's disease are very interested in using complementary and alternative medicine to treat their symptoms, there has been little study on whether such therapies can help them, Lyvonne Carreiro reported here at the Seventh International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders.

But two small studies--one conducted by Carreiro and her colleagues--suggest that Tai Chi and the herb yohimbine, respectively, may help reduce falls in Parkinson's patients. People with this progressive neurological disorder suffer from tremor, muscle rigidity and movement problems.

Carreiro, a Parkinson's disease care coordinator at the University of Florida in Jacksonville, surveyed 75 patients at her center about their knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine.

"There is a lot of interest in alternative therapies for Parkinson's disease, but not enough information," she told Reuters Health. "Patients should let their physicians know if they're interested in such treatments."

Carreiro's team found that 54% of the respondents understood the definition of complementary and alternative medicine. Among the respondents, 23% mistakenly believed these treatments were part of most medical schools' coursework, and 51% believed herbs can be safely taken with medication. Most said they were interested in such therapies, but would only use them if prescribed by their medical doctor.

In the past year, 48% of the respondents had used these treatments. Among those who had, 45% had taken Tai Chi classes; 36% had used yoga and 27% had used acupuncture. Carreiro noted that several respondents had used multiple strategies and that 36% of respondents had used massage, 24% had practiced meditation, 45% used spiritual healing or prayer, and 15% used herbal therapies.

Noting that 80% of respondents believe that complementary and alternative medicine could improve their Parkinson's disease, Carreiro pointed out that there is a need for more well-controlled scientific studies to see if this belief is warranted.

In her own practice, she and her colleagues found that Tai Chi appeared to reduce the number of falls in Parkinson's patients. The investigators followed 30 patients with Parkinson's disease who were randomly assigned to a Tai Chi group or a "control" group. The people who evaluated their records of falls and stability scores did not know which patients were controls and which received Tai Chi lessons. Tai Chi patients had one-hour weekly Tai Chi classes for 12 consecutive weeks.

The Tai Chi patients were less likely than controls to have an increase in the severity of their Parkinson's disease and less likely to have a decline in motor function. The reduction in fall frequency was 18 times greater for the Tai Chi patients, said Carreiro. She told Reuters Health that people with Parkinson's disease who want to study Tai Chi must make sure the instructor is familiar with their condition and will accommodate their needs.

Other research on complementary and alternative medicine shows that some herbal or botanical therapies bear out their good reputations while others deliver less than adequately.

In a study on yohimbine, Dr. Ruth Djaldetti and colleagues at Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus in Petach Tiqva, Israel, found that the use of yohimbine was associated with a 50% reduction in the number of falls. They treated 11 patients who either had Parkinson's disease or other parkinsonian syndromes.

Dr. M. G. Jabre and colleagues in Byblos, Lebanon, studied the use of fava beans as the only treatment in five patients who had not yet received any Parkinson's medication. Their rationale was that fava beans are chemically similar to levodopa, the mainstay medication in Parkinson's treatment. Although the investigators found no statistically significant improvement in the patients' conditions, two of the five were satisfied and wanted to continue with fava beans.

Dance class lifts Parkinson's patients' spirits

Rush University Medical Center, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago team up to test whether participation alters degenerative disease

By John Biemer

Special to the Tribune

February 25, 2009

The dancers followed their instructor's lead: "Heels together, toes apart," she said, and together they gently bent their knees and stretched their arms in graceful strokes.

But some of the students' hands trembled as they gripped the free-standing ballet barre in the center of the studio. A couple of walkers beside the wall indicated this was no typical dance class.

The weekly gathering for people with Parkinson's disease—a neurological disorder that causes tremors, rigidity and difficulty moving—began last summer as a collaboration between Rush University Medical Center and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, located on the city's Near West Side. Since then, participants say, it has helped them build confidence and dexterity, while forming a tight-knit community among patients who often struggle with feelings of isolation and helplessness.

Sarah Cullen Fuller, who danced with the Hubbard Street company for nine seasons and teaches the class as a volunteer, said she has watched the participants progress from barely standing and making only small, tentative movements to bolder, more expressive dancing. On a recent Saturday, the dancers sat in a circle of folding chairs as the class began and introduced themselves to new participants.

"I find this class to be magic," said Michael Lieb, 68, of Oak Park, a retired University of Illinois-Chicago English professor found to have Parkinson's nine years ago. "This circle we're in is magic, and the person that's responsible is Sarah. She's an angel."

Rush University doctors, meanwhile, are studying the participants to determine if the dancing is not just lifting their spirits, but in fact altering some of the degenerative nature of the disease.

Parkinson's affects up to 1 percent of the population, according to Dr. James Young, Rush's chairman of physical medicine and rehabilitation, with onset typically in people older than 50, but sometimes younger.

The motor problems common to the disease—perhaps best known because of afflicted celebrities Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox—are caused by a loss of the brain cells that produce dopamine, an important chemical messenger in the brain.

There is no known cure for Parkinson's, though medications relieve some of the symptoms. Rush researchers are trying to figure out if moving to the music—and stimulating the right hemisphere of the brain associated with creativity—also may help patients rediscover or even reinvent ways to gain their balance and move fluidly.

"This is going to the next step of scientific research, rehabilitative information and probably an insight into the disease that we've never really had," Young said. "That's why we're all sort of excited, because it's sort of like we've just discovered something wonderful and you say, 'Wait a minute, I don't know what it is, but let's find out.' "

Young, Fuller and her husband, who's a chiropractor, got the idea from a similar dance class for Parkinson's patients started by the Mark Morris Dance Group in New York City—although Young said no research was conducted on that group. The Hubbard Street class is paid for by private donations and is free for attendees.

About 20 people showed up on a recent Saturday afternoon. A pianist who plays anything from Beethoven to tangos to rock infuses the class with additional energy and spontaneity. Parkinson's patients—and their caregivers—said the gathering is both fun and supportive.

"The patients end up surprising themselves by being able to do more physically than they thought they were able to do," said Mariel Stitziel, 67, of Oak Park, who attended with her husband, Will, 72, who has Parkinson's.

When Mary Lou Tromanhauser, 72, of Westchester attended her first class, it stirred memories of the dance studio she ran in northwest Chicago for more than 30 years. Tromanhauser had noticed her handwriting slipping about a year and a half ago. The symptoms worsened, and she received a diagnosis of Parkinson's this month.

"I can't believe [this class] exists," she told the circle of dancers at the start of class. Her eyes welled with tears. "I can't believe I found it. I'm so happy to be here."

Chicago Tribune

Fantastic 'Frontline' episode: 'My Father, My Brother and Me'

posted by Audrea Huff on Feb 3, 2009 11:54:44 PM

PBS' "Frontline" series aired tonight an amazing episode about Parkinson's disease called "My Father, My Brother and Me."

It was produced and narrated by journalist Dave Iverson, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2004 -- and is now the third person in his immediate family with it.

So Iverson set out to try to understand the disease, talking with other Parkinson's sufferers as well as leading researchers in the field. Actor Michael J. Fox, a man who has seen remarkable improvement after an experimental surgery and political journalist Michael Kinsley all spoke candidly about their experiences.

What Iverson also learned: Exercise may play a pivotal role in reducing or delaying the effects of the disease.

Iverson went to the University of Pittsburgh, where researchers were using monkeys to study the relationship between exercise and Parkinsons. In a study, one group of monkeys were made to walk on treadmills regularly; another sedentary group sat and watched. After 3 months, both groups were given MPTP, a drug that causes Parkinson's symptoms. The sedentary monkeys lost motor control. But the treadmill monkeys showed few, if any, Parkinson's symptoms.

Says one leading researcher [to "Frontline"]: "It's not at all hard for me to imagine that the results of a properly designed exercise program are going to be more effective than many of the medications and surgeries we have now."

Clearly, Parkinson's is complicated and has many causes, and exercise will not be effective for all forms or even for all people. But the research shows exercise may play a role in treatment of this -- for now -- incurable disease.

* Read a Parkinson's fact sheet at PBS.org here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/parkinsons/etc/faqs.html

* And see the entire "Frontline" episode "My Father, My Brother and Me" here, with chapters, at PBS.org: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=frol02p6c7&continuous=1

Boxing Hazards: Low Blows, Head butts and Parkinson's

Posted Feb 11, 2009 by ■ Leo Reyes

Kevin lole of Yahoo sports reported in his column that the Vic Darchinyan-Jorge Arce fight held at the Honda Center was a one-sided fight. He was suggesting that one-sided fights need quicker stoppages.

Boxing enthusiasts would definitely agree with Kevin on his thoughts about one-sided matches. Fight referees will know during the fight and at certain rounds when the fight appears to be one-sided.

In the case of the boxing match between Vic Darchinyan and Jorge Arce that was held at the Honda Center last February 8, 2009, it was very clear that Jorge Arce was losing the game from early rounds to past halfway of the 12 rounder fight. Darchinyan was dominating the fight from all angles and he inflicted so much damage on Arce both in the body and the head. The referee could have stopped the fight to save Arce from continued attack on the head and body by Darchinyan.

On the 11th round, the ring physician finally instructed the referee to stop the fight. Fight fans agreed with Kevin that it was a one-sided fight from the very start and should have been stopped by the referee much earlier in the round.

True enough, Arce was hurt and rushed to a nearby hospital in a stretcher after the fight was stopped on the 11th round. He was apparently complaining of about pain at the back of his head. Arce was later released from the hospital early Sunday morning. He admitted that he felt ‘unbalanced’ following the post fight conference.

Head butts and power blows that land on boxer’s head have devastating effect on the brain of boxers when the blows hit certain areas of the head. The effect of these power blows may not show while the boxer is actively fighting but it could affect the brain which, in most cases, leads to Parkinson’s disease.

Some of the world’s most popular boxers, including Muhammad Ali have contracted Parkinson’s disease as a result of too many power head blows, though the some studies have not provided conclusive findings linking repeated head blows on boxers to Parkinson’s diseases.

Adriana Stuijt wrote in her article published by Digital Journal said: ‘Many die young, beaten up to a pulp, or end up with permanent brain and eye damage. Often they suffered early dementia from brain damage, and boxers often suffer much sooner than other people their age of early-aging diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease’.

In her article about the health hazards of boxing, Adriana cited several instances where young boxers have died because of the brain damages caused by powerful head blows.

Recent developments in boxing that touched on the health hazards of the trade have been widely publicized. On top of the many cases cited by Adriana in her article, other disturbing developments related to the game of boxing have recently surfaced. A case in point is the recent discovery by the California Sports Commission of a certain substance that was placed inside the gloves of Antonio Margarito in his recent fight with Shane Mosley, most probably to gain an advantage in his favor.

If not for the vigilance of the California Sports regulators, the substance that the Margarito camp inserted inside Margarito’s gloves could have caused Mosley’s life. Margarito and his trainer have been found guilty and suspended from professional boxing fights in the state of California for one year.

Since boxing as a form of sports is legal in almost all countries of the world, concerned citizens can only do so much. The better option is perhaps to repeal the applicable laws or declare boxing as a form of sports as illegal.

In the meantime, governments must be vigilant and very strict about the implementation of all laws related to the game of boxing. Regulating agencies must be held accountable for any injuries or deaths that may occur as a result of negligence on the part of boxing referees, trainers, managers, promoters and other personalities that are involved in the game.

Dance therapy gets Parkinson's patients moving again

The progressive nature of Parkinson's Disease can make walking a challenge. Now, a new study is helping Parkinson's patients dance into a more mobile future.

Don Ablins tried physical therapy to help manage his Parkinson's Disease, but it isn't a favorite.

Now he's stepping out of his comfort zone into a dance class that's anything but dull.

Doctors say dance therapy has a different effect on patients, and for many individiauls it's like a back door into therapy.

Rush University Medical Center is studying the effect dance has on Parkinson's patients. Dr. James Young says "it allows them to have a certain fluidity of their movements. Now we know that patients with Parkinson's need the movements, they need the space."

The classes are led by a former professional dancer, who encourages stretching and movement.

This spring, Dr. Young's team will start using brain scans to gain a better understanding of why the dance classes are so effective with these patients.

Parkinson's Virtual Reality Gait Training Device Improves Quality of Life

Haifa, Israel (PRWEB) January 26, 2009 -- Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis patients are discovering first-hand that daily exercise with a new virtual reality device, the GaitAid Virtual Walker, has a positive effect on their walking ability, minimizing balance problems and improving quality of life.

GaitAid Virtual Walker

Yoram Baram, a computer science professor and incumbent of the Roy Matas / Winnipeg Chair in Biomedical Engineering at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology has collaborated with several neurologists specializing in treating Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other movement disorders, in developing and testing a new, non-invasive training device designed to proactively minimize freezing and balance problems during walking. The noticeable physical and mental improvement of patients participating in clinical studies led Baram to bring the GaitAid device to market as a FDA registered medical device and is offering the device for a trial period on his company's website (www.medigait.com).

A Professor of Neurology and Director of the Movement Disorder Clinic of The Rambam Medical Center, Yehudit Aharon, M.D., specializes in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. "The development of this device has been invaluable to my patients. They have better balance, reduction of freezing and improved confidence," states Dr. Aharon.

Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis patients participating in Baram's GaitAid training notice improvement in walking, and maintaining balance. According to a GaitAid device user, "This device gives me the feeling that I am taking control of my illness. I got my confidence back and can actually enjoy going out for a walk without the fear of falling down. But most importantly, my mental state of being is much more positive and I'm more independent."

Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Brain of the Carmel Medical Center, Ariel Miller, M.D., specializes in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. "The results clearly indicate that the device helps patients with MS control their gait. The degree of improvement is proportional to the degree of impairment. The results support the potential role of the device as a rehabilitation modality in MS, and substantiate their specific implementation in efforts to alleviate, improve, and restore mobility in patients with gait disturbances due to neurological disorders in general", states Dr. Miller.

Prof. Baram states, "My biggest joy is when a person using my GaitAid device calls me to say 'Thank you, Yoram; Using the GaitAid has changed my life."

The user-friendly device includes special glasses and earphones which provide sensory feedback of visual images and sounds in response to the patient's movements. Training involves walking with the device for up to twenty minutes. These training sessions evoke a neuroplastic response in the patient's brain, creating new healthy neural circuits which by-pass the disease-damaged areas.

Parkinson's Disease remains a mystery of medical science. For reason's unknown, certain brain cells stop producing a substance called Dopamine, which affects an individual's movement, strength and balance. There is currently no cure, though stem cell research offers future promise.

Emerging scientific evidence confirms that movement lessens neurological deterioration that contributes to Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis progression.

The idea for the GaitAid project was sparked 12 years ago while Professor Baram was designing a mechanism for NASA to navigate low-flying helicopters around obstacles. The concept of the design, which Baram later applied to the medical device, is that the optical images of objects help the observer navigate, stabilize and pace movement in space.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the GaitAid Virtual Walker will be used to support the research, development and treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The device is available for a trial period of 30 days:

online www.medigait.com
email: support (at) medigait (dot) com
or by phone 888-777-9906.

Pedaling to beat Parkinsons

Research Summary

BACKGROUND: According to neuroscientist Jay Alberts, Ph.D., of the Cleveland Clinic, past animal studies have shown great benefits for exercise in terms of improving Parkinson's disease function. But these positive results haven't been replicated in human studies. Dr. Alberts says, "A lot of human studies haven't shown significant improvements in motor function using the various human interventions, such as weight training or other types of exercise training." But the animal studies used a paradigm called "forced exercise" -- where the animal is forced to exercise at a rate that's faster than its voluntary rate. After taking a group bike ride across Iowa in 2003, Dr. Alberts realized the concept of forced exercise may be the key to bridging the gap between the positive animal studies and the inconclusive human ones.

FORCED EXERCISE: During the Iowa bike ride, Dr. Alberts rode on a tandem bike with a person who had Parkinson's. The patient was forced to pedal much faster than she would have normally -- between 80 and 90 RPMs as opposed to between 50 and 60. Dr. Alberts explains, "In many ways, this tandem was like a type of forced exercise paradigm that was being used in the tandem studies." Then in 2006, Dr. Alberts rode again with another Parkinson's patient. This patient depended on a surgically implanted device called deep brain stimulation to control his symptoms. If the device is turned off, his symptoms return immediately. Dr. Alberts and the patient went on a 50-mile tandem bike ride with the stimulator turned off, and to their delight, the patient had no symptoms. These observations led to Dr. Alberts testing the theory out clinically in the lab.

UNDER STUDY: In his study at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Alberts has patients come in over a period of eight weeks, three days a week for a one-hour tandem bike ride session. Results show after the eight weeks, patients have on average a 30-percent improvement in their symptoms. Two weeks after the study is over, patients still have about a 20-percent improvement. Dr. Alberts says with medication patients typically have slightly less improvement. And with deep brain stimulation, patients have between about 30 and 40 percent improvement, which is about the same. But as he points out, "If you stop taking medication, the disease symptoms come back within a few hours, and these often have side effects. And with deep brain stimulation, you turn the stimulator off and the symptoms come back almost immediately." He's then excited by the fact that the symptomatic improvement from tandem exercise is sustained for weeks. He does add that he doesn't see tandem exercise as something that would replace deep brain stimulation but instead could be used as an adjunct.

HOW IT WORKS: Patients are working the lower half of their body -- yet symptoms in their upper half improve. Dr. Alberts says, "That suggests that we're changing the way the brain is actually functioning." He's now trying to figure out what underlying mechanism is responsible for the improvement. He and his colleagues are looking at patients' fMRI brain scans to look for differences before and after the therapy. They suspect that because Parkinson's patients have a decreased neural drive, they may not be able to drive their system sufficiently, and forced exercise augments their central nervous system, leading to biochemical changes and actually helping the disease itself rather than just the symptoms.

ADVANTAGES: As Dr. Alberts explains, forced exercise is "a very simple intervention that doesn't require a lot of fancy equipment, and it doesn't require medications... We all know that exercise is good for you. And if we can improve brain function, to me that's pretty exciting.