Pilates can aid some with Parkinson's

[flamingyouth]

I thought this was an interesting article. Both of my parents, who are in their mid-60s, do Pilates and feel so much stronger. My mother used to walk with a cane but now no longer needs it.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Movements in Pilates exercises are controlled — sometimes moving the body only inches — but those small motions are making a big difference to some people with Parkinson's disease.

No research has been done to prove Pilates' effectiveness in reducing Parkinson's symptoms, but a growing number of patients say they are finding some relief.

"I love it, it's great," said Karen Smith, 62. "It exercises muscles that otherwise don't get exercised."

Parkinson's, a degenerative disorder, inhibits a person's ability to control movement. Its most common symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity and poor balance.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061126/ap_on_he_me/fitness_pilates_help

[Warpy]

1. Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi and other slow, low impact exercise

programs will make anybody feel like a million bucks and they will do no harm if the excerciser follows the directions and doesn't try to overdo.

They in no way treat the underlying cause of Parkinson's, though, which is the destruction of brain tissue in a structure called the substantia nigra.

What happens is that motor neurons are continally firing without the damping effect exerted by this particular part of the brain. That's why Parkinson's patients present with stiffness and shaking and decreasing control of voluntary muscles.

It's a horrible disease process, and I'm all for anything that will help patients feel better. Thanks for posting this article. I hope people with early Parkinson's will pursue one of these programs.

Shoot, I wish everybody would.

[flamingyouth]

2. I completely agree.

And I should have posted the standard disclaimer: Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program! ;)

I was recently diagnosed with cancer and am still doing gentle yoga and Pilates and just recently signed up for Qigong, which is similar to Tai Chi. A friend recommended it. The yoga and Pilates really help me, both mentally and physically. I'd been doing both for years anyway, but now with the extra stress, it just makes me feel better.