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.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
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
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
Sunday, April 12, 2009
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
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
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