Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories Option 1

  One interesting topic I enjoy reading about, is how to help people with neurologic conditions because, my wife has a form of Muscular Dystrophy. In my endeavor to look for a positive example of the effects of research on children and families to share with my colleagues, I came across an article in “Neurology Now, The American Academy of Neurology’s Magazine for Patients & Caregivers (April/May 2013 edition). The article is a longitudinal research design, and uses a deductive research methodology. The paradigm is associated with the positivist approach because, of the cause and effect relationship, between exercise and people who have neurologic conditions.
  
Rukovets, (2013) explained that “more and more research is finding that exercise may be particularly helpful for people who have neurologic conditions, with benefits seen in movement, balance, and even cognition” (p. 11). In fact various types of healthy exercise can be beneficial just not all in the same way. According to Dr. Lisa Shulman, M.D., professor of neurology at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine, director of the Maryland Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Shulman has studied the positive effects of exercise on people with Parkinson’s disease.

 Her recent study comparing treadmill walking to resistance exercise which entails using weights in people with Parkinson’s disease, found that patients with Parkinson’s disease that utilized the treadmill improved their cardiovascular and aerobic conditioning, but not their muscle strength. Those that utilized weights showed an improvement in muscle strength, but not in aerobic conditioning.

   Nia, is a sensory based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance, and healing arts. Nia is taught in 49 countries by 2,500 teachers. Amy Lemen, L.C.S.W., a clinical neurology social worker and the program supervisor, realized that Nia was a perfect fit for their PD patients because it incorporated movement, rhythm, and vocalization.

Nia has not been studied for its effect on PD symptoms. However, some studies have shown improvement with in PD with “Tai Chi” (Rukovets, 2013, p. 12). The National Parkinson Foundation shows similar ways to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson's, be sure your exercise program includes three key ingredients, stretching, aerobic activity, and resistance (weight training). Biking, running, Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, dancing, weight training, Qi Gong—all have been shown to have positive effect on symptoms for people with Parkinson’s("Exercise Tips," 2013, p. 1).
 In conclusion, before enrolling before enrolling in an exercise program you should see your primary care practitioner, regardless of whether or not you have a neurologic disorder. In particular, “ people with problems with balance need their exercise programs tailored for their individual needs to avoid the risks of falls”(Rukovets, 2013, p. 12) People with Parkinson’s disease needs to know that exercise is one area where they can do something important for themselves, and the best outcomes over time will come from a combination of standard medical care, including medication, plus routine weekly exercise.
  

                                                            References
National Parkinson Foundation - Exercise Tips. (2013). Retrieved from http://parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/Treatment/Exercise/Exercise-Tips
Rukovets, O. (2013). Nia for Parkinson’s disease. Neurology Now, 9(2), 11-12. Retrieved from http://www.neurologynow.com


My blog link is larrydonte.blogspot.com

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 21, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    Great Post!!!
    Interesting topic!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 21, 2013 at 8:13 PM

    Larry,
    Great Post. I learn something new from you every week. You keep on shining!
    Mia

    ReplyDelete

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