Fighting the Effects of Parkinson's Disease

November 2006
Today the benefits of exercise in preventing disease are widely known. But for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), exercise may be a deciding factor in how long they can attend to the details of their lives.

“ Exercise can help those with Parkinson’s Disease do more in a day without becoming exhausted,” says Dawn Lucier, physical therapist . “It can improve slow, shuffling movements, improve posture, and help fight the rigidity that comes with the disease.”
Exercise is an important aspect of RHCI’s new Community-based Wellness Program for People with Parkinson’s Disease. The program is designed to improve the patient’s ability to engage in daily activities more independently by teaching exercises and skills that can be transferred – and continued -- at home. Dawn, Bruce Boren, occupational therapist, and Lee LaCroix, speech and language pathologist, are introducing this innovative program to the community.

“ The latest research indicates people with Parkinson’s show dramatic improvement with the right type of therapies,” says Dawn. “We can’t cure the disease, but we can equip these individuals with strategies to fight the effects of the illness more effectively.”

Participants meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. for six weeks. Each class includes mobility and stretching exercises; activities to improve speech; training in activities of daily living; and group discussion.

To participate, the person with Parkinson’s Disease must be able to walk 100 feet without the assistance of another person, be able to maintain attention during class, and have transportation to and from RHCI.

RHCI’s pilot program began in October. The next sessions are scheduled to begin in January and March 2007. People interested in enrolling may call (508) 833-4197 for more information.

RHCI is offering this program in collaboration with researchers at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, where the program was developed. Terry Ellis, PT, PhD, nationally known researcher on the effectiveness of rehabilitation for persons with PD and Clinical Assistant Professor at Sargent, was at RHCI in September sharing the results of her latest research. Funding to expand access to this program comes in part from the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association.

For more information, visit the outpatient section of the website or call (508) 833-4008 to request the Parkinson’s Disease Wellness Program fact sheet.