http://store.bottomlinesecrets.com/a...e_id=100002121

Exercise That Can Reverse Parkinson's Symptoms


Bigger is better... yes, it’s a cliché, but for people with Parkinson’s disease, it’s a valuable one. In a recent study of Parkinson’s patients, every participant improved by doing exercise that involved big movements.


... The study, called ThinkBIG, included 20 randomly selected Parkinson’s patients (mean age 71) who were examined at the start and again at the end, 12 weeks later. There were no medication changes for any of the participants, and each engaged in three 45-minute exercise sessions each week.


For the first eight weeks, participants engaged in "large range" movements, such as taking giant steps while swinging their arms vigorously. Then, once they had met the initial goal to improve range of motion and balance, they spent the last four weeks using the Nintendo Wii yoga and bowling systems.. suggest that the exercises not only are beneficial in relieving Parkinson’s symptoms but may even slow or reverse progression of the disease, said Dr. Alvarez.

I have heard this from a therapist who teaches workshops in BIG therapy. I had an opportunity to participate for free but was pregnant and therefore not allowed. :-(

My question is how are the specific BIG movements translated into using the Wii? Is there a site where we can find out if there are classes or workshops in our area?

Thanks!

Laura

http://delaythedisease.com/index_old.html
haven't tried it nor endorse it.

Hi Laura, Have no answer to your question. I have searched for info to no avail. I do remember the acupuncturist whom we consulted 5 yrs ago , Master Chinn, telling my husband to practice "walking like a monkey" with large, loping steps and large arm swinging movements. Maybe he intuitively knew the therapeutic value of Big Movements in PD? madelyn

I just learned that XBox is coming out with a Zumba program for Christmas that may be a fabulous Big Movement therapy for PD. Wish I knew more about it, but you may keep your antenna up.

Well, I'll become quite the world dancer...adding Zumba to my Bollywood Booty workout. ha ha.

Madelyn, my first neuro used to tell me "think Groucho Marx" It helped at the time.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Laura

Hi Laura,
I attended a PD conference awhile ago and forgot I had a pamplet on the Big program.

The website is- www.lsvtglobal.com and there is a lot of info on the site. It was expensive but looked interesting.

Suzie

I have found that pushing myself to exercize and move quickly changes things....it really helps to make yourself speed up to maximum level in what ever you are doing