Answers (10)
2
Hi Alisa,
I am not sure how much one can generalize Parkinson's from one person to the other. I have been working with a client with PD from his diagnosis in 1997 to today. He is in a nursing home now.
Let me share my observations over the years: it is absolutely possible to make him stronger, and, to a point, you can also improve balance by incorporating this into the routine as much as possible as long as you provide a safe environment where the risk of fall does not exist. Beyond that, you are dealing with a neurological disorder that has its own rules that usually defy logic. Some movements simply cannot be controlled no matter what you try.
You can and should be doing an assessment as you would with anybody else because there can still be imbalances that are unrelated to Parkinson's. Prepare yourself, though, over time with movement problems resulting from falls, and you may need to adjust your program design to what is possible rather what is optimal.
Another important aspect of PD is its dependence on medication. Some symptoms are actually side effects of medication. Timing of medication is crucial, and, without it, a person can be 'off' and hardly able to move at all.
I understand that you want to help your client to become less dependent on the canes but do not be disappointed if you do not succeed. Success with PD is to prolong the time from one cane to two canes to quad cane to walker to scooter. On the other hand, PD progresses differently in people. In the case of my client, it was very aggressive; I have heard of other people who have lived with PD relatively well.
You are more than welcome to contact me offline if you feel that I can be of further help.
I wish you and your client best of success.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
I am not sure how much one can generalize Parkinson's from one person to the other. I have been working with a client with PD from his diagnosis in 1997 to today. He is in a nursing home now.
Let me share my observations over the years: it is absolutely possible to make him stronger, and, to a point, you can also improve balance by incorporating this into the routine as much as possible as long as you provide a safe environment where the risk of fall does not exist. Beyond that, you are dealing with a neurological disorder that has its own rules that usually defy logic. Some movements simply cannot be controlled no matter what you try.
You can and should be doing an assessment as you would with anybody else because there can still be imbalances that are unrelated to Parkinson's. Prepare yourself, though, over time with movement problems resulting from falls, and you may need to adjust your program design to what is possible rather what is optimal.
Another important aspect of PD is its dependence on medication. Some symptoms are actually side effects of medication. Timing of medication is crucial, and, without it, a person can be 'off' and hardly able to move at all.
I understand that you want to help your client to become less dependent on the canes but do not be disappointed if you do not succeed. Success with PD is to prolong the time from one cane to two canes to quad cane to walker to scooter. On the other hand, PD progresses differently in people. In the case of my client, it was very aggressive; I have heard of other people who have lived with PD relatively well.
You are more than welcome to contact me offline if you feel that I can be of further help.
I wish you and your client best of success.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
1
The music can work well. Music is one of the tools used with Parkinson's Disease, or metronomes, to engage movement.
Stretching is vital because of their limited ROM, and it is great that Karin will speak with you offline because there are a lot of exercises and a lot of stretches.
Visit the Parkinson Disease Foundation website, they have accessible lectures and newsletters.
One of the greatest gifts you bring is your enthusiam, and a belief that movement can slow down the progression.
Cheers to you.
Stretching is vital because of their limited ROM, and it is great that Karin will speak with you offline because there are a lot of exercises and a lot of stretches.
Visit the Parkinson Disease Foundation website, they have accessible lectures and newsletters.
One of the greatest gifts you bring is your enthusiam, and a belief that movement can slow down the progression.
Cheers to you.
0
Depending on how severe his condition I would reccommend reffering him to a clinical exercise specialist or physiologist.
0
Hello Alisa Meier,
I agree that each situation is unique. Has this person gone through physical therapy? If so, do you have any evidence of the work that was done there?
After that, just like anyone else, you will want to find out what his goals are and go from there. Of course, for PD, you want to work on the balance, lower body strength and neck mobility for gait.
Walking with sticks may be fine, as it adds upper body work and gives him confidence. Although, while working with you, have him walk confidently without the sticks, or, at least one to start.
Remind him that he is strong and wise, too.
Good luck to you both.
Take care,
Natalie.
I agree that each situation is unique. Has this person gone through physical therapy? If so, do you have any evidence of the work that was done there?
After that, just like anyone else, you will want to find out what his goals are and go from there. Of course, for PD, you want to work on the balance, lower body strength and neck mobility for gait.
Walking with sticks may be fine, as it adds upper body work and gives him confidence. Although, while working with you, have him walk confidently without the sticks, or, at least one to start.
Remind him that he is strong and wise, too.
Good luck to you both.
Take care,
Natalie.
0
I agree with the above comments: work with their physician and inquire about incorporating music.
Research studies have shown that memorable rhythms/music can bypass some the neurological symptoms of Parkinson's and when such specific music is played, patients become "neurologically-coordinated" for short periods of time. Ask patients if they ever danced in their past, songs they enjoyed as youth or at important life events (weddings, graduations, etc) to see if you can find something that assists your training sessions with them.
Research studies have shown that memorable rhythms/music can bypass some the neurological symptoms of Parkinson's and when such specific music is played, patients become "neurologically-coordinated" for short periods of time. Ask patients if they ever danced in their past, songs they enjoyed as youth or at important life events (weddings, graduations, etc) to see if you can find something that assists your training sessions with them.
0
Thank you for your comments. He is cleared by the doctor to work with the Personal trainer. I am not sure about physical therapist but he had another personal trainer. So far I had 2 sessions with him. His case is pretty severe. I think he is at the stage 4. There is very limited number of exercises that I could do with him. He shuffles when he walks and he needs a lot of work on his posture.
I liked the idea with music. I will try that. He can't do a lot standing. What exercises would you suggest while sitting? Is stretching good for him?
I liked the idea with music. I will try that. He can't do a lot standing. What exercises would you suggest while sitting? Is stretching good for him?
0
Here is a good article on parkinsons from NCPAD. http://www.ncpad.org/52/981/Parkinson~s~Disease~and~Exercise.
0
Alisa,
Your question reminded me of an article that appeared in the Washington Post about a year and a half ago. I was able to find it online. It may be of help to you.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/bicycling-and-othe...
This article recommends to train the client at a hard pace whether it is on a rower, stationary bike, or weight lifting. I hope it helps you.
Denny
Your question reminded me of an article that appeared in the Washington Post about a year and a half ago. I was able to find it online. It may be of help to you.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/bicycling-and-othe...
This article recommends to train the client at a hard pace whether it is on a rower, stationary bike, or weight lifting. I hope it helps you.
Denny
0
All good answers. I just responded to another such question and it applies here as well. I encourage you to contact www.parkinsonsnetwork.org . This is a group out of Boulder, CO led by a gentleman who is dealing with Parkinson's himself. They teach instructors to lead group classes for people with Parkinson's. This can be applied individually as well. You are to be commended for having the community spirit to help such individuals. Bravo!
