EARLY EXERCISE CAN DECREASE DEPRESSION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Exercise is known to offset many physical side effects of Parkinson's disease (PD). A recent pilot study suggests that early exercise also can reduce depression symptoms among individuals with PD.

A study of 31 patients randomized into an early exercise start group and a delayed start group found that patients in the early start group scored "significantly better" on the Beck Depression Inventory, according to the research published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders ("Effects of a formal exercise program on Parkinson's disease" - January 20, 2014).

While this is extremely relevant in individuals being treated with medications for neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease and Huntington's Disease, it's equally as important in those who are living with nothing of the sort. Depression and anxiety is not only a side effect of multiple conditions, but also has a high prevalence in adolescent individuals in recent years, and continues to rise. 

Exercise is proven to release endorphins and chemicals related to happiness, and can help improve signs and symptoms along with a treatment plan put in place by your physician. Exercise is for everyone, not just people who go to the gym everyday. 

However, if you are an individual who's being treated for Parkinson's Disease, if you're looking to reap the benefits of exercise surrounded by individuals who are going through the same thing you are, a Rock Steady affiliate may be a wonderful option for you. 

Prairie Fighters, a Rock Steady Boxing affiliate is located just 2 miles from our location on 75th and State Line, at 89th and State Line, and are currently taking new customers. 

Below is the link to their website! 

STATS SHOW PHYSICAL THERAPY IS UNDERUTILIZED BY PATIENTS WITH WHAT CONDITION?

Physical therapy can help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their quality of life and even delay the negative effects of the disease, but a recent study shows that physical therapist services aren’t being maximized by people with Parkinson’s.

According to a study presented at the 20th International Congress of Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society ("Underutilization of physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease in the United States” – accessed June 22, 2016), fewer than 12% of Medicare beneficiaries with Parkinson’s disease utilized physical therapy over a 2 year period. Occupational therapy and speech therapy services also were underutilized.

"Occupational and physical therapy can help patients with being able to exercise, and we know that's one of the most effective ways to reverse the course of Parkinson's," said Peter Schmidt, PhD, of the National Parkinson Foundation, in an interview with MedPage Today about the study. “We've also shown that the earlier you get it, particularly with physical therapy, the more effective it is later in the disease."

Other options for patients include the newly-opened Rock Steady Boxing affiliates Prairie Fighters of Prairie Village, Kansas. We'll be following up later this week with a post on Prairie Fighters, as we have an exclusive interview with Prairie Fighters' own Christopher Bohannon, Director of Operations and Head Coach.