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Pilates Program Helps with Parkinson's
The Neenah/Menasha News-Record - link to story
NEENAH — The Neuroscience Group of NE Wisconsin has introduced a program aimed at helping people with Parkinson's disease maintain and enhance their physical functioning.
The Pilates for Parkinson's program uses a small group education/activity approach, focusing on pilates exercise sessions.
Parkinson's disease exists when brain communications involving balance, movement, walking and speech are hindered by damage to brain cells that produce a transmitting chemical called dopamine. Symptoms can be temporarily treated, but the cause and cure of the illness have not been found.
People with Parkinson's Disease have a variety of signs and symptoms, which include rigidity, tremor, slow movement (bradykinesia), or loss of movement (akinesia), and difficulties with balance and walking. Research has demonstrated that Parkinson's disease patient who engage in exercise programs improve their motor function. Researchers are working to determine if exercise effects are neuroprotective, neurorestorative or both.
The Pilates for Parkinson's class meets twice a week for eight weeks. Pilate's instructor, Kathy Hegert, certified in pilates since 2005, said, "structured exercise and relaxation programs, such as pilates and yoga, are helpful adjuncts in promoting well-being and physical functioning. I am an ardent supporter of this type of proactive wellness program for people who have neuromuscular diseases, such as Parkinson's disease."
Dr. Lisa Kokontis, a neurologist with The Neuroscience Group, said "effective treatment of Parkinson's disease can vary from patient to patient, and should be accompanied by ongoing exercise, specialized rehabilitation and physical therapy designed to help regain and maintain function and promote a better quality of life.
"Our new Neuroscience Center, opening in early 2008, will include an exercise gym and community meeting space which will provide greater opportunities for more on-site exercise-based programming."
The physicians at the Neuroscience Center, in conjunction with the YMCA of the Fox Cities, have identified exercising options for people with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neuromuscular disorders, which help to improve balance and coordination, endurance, flexibility. In addition to strengthening and stretching muscles, these programs also help to promote relaxation skills. Information is available from any of the YMCA sites in the Fox Cities or through the Neuroscience Group offices.
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