‘.YOUR+HEALTH: Stairs for Parkinson’s’

‘.YOUR+HEALTH: Stairs for Parkinson’s’ Overview Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time. One of the challenges that people with Parkinson’s face is difficulty with stairs. Stairs can be dangerous for people with Parkinson’s because they can cause falls. Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and even death. Tips for Safely Navigating Stairs with Parkinson’s There are a number of things that people with Parkinson’s can do to safely navigate stairs: * Use a cane or walker. A cane or walker can provide support and stability when walking up or down stairs. * Hold onto the handrail. The handrail can provide additional support and help you to keep your balance. * Take your time. Don’t try to rush up or down stairs. Take your time and make sure that each step is taken carefully. * Look ahead. Be aware of your surroundings and look ahead to where you are going. This will help you to avoid obstacles and potential hazards. * Break up the task. If you have a long flight of stairs to climb, break up the task into smaller segments. This will make it less daunting and more manageable. Stair Exercises for Parkinson’s In addition to using safe navigation techniques, there are a number of exercises that people with Parkinson’s can do to improve their stair-climbing ability. These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that are used for walking, improve balance, and increase coordination. Some examples of stair exercises for Parkinson’s include: * Single-leg stair climbing. Stand on one leg and slowly step up the stairs. Hold onto the handrail for support, if needed. Repeat with the other leg. * Double-leg stair climbing. Stand on both legs and slowly step up the stairs. Hold onto the handrail for support, if needed. * Step-downs. Stand on the top step of a flight of stairs. Slowly step down, one foot at a time. Hold onto the handrail for support, if needed. * Lateral stair walking. Walk sideways up or down a flight of stairs. Hold onto the handrail for support, if needed. It is important to start with a few repetitions of each exercise and gradually increase the number of repetitions as you get stronger. Be sure to consult with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program. Stair Safety for Caregivers Caregivers can also play an important role in helping people with Parkinson’s to safely navigate stairs. Here are a few tips for caregivers: * Be patient. It may take people with Parkinson’s longer to climb stairs than it does for you. Be patient and allow them to take their time. * Provide support. Offer to hold onto the handrail or provide other support, if needed. * Be aware of obstacles. Be aware of any obstacles that could be a hazard for people with Parkinson’s, such as loose rugs or slippery surfaces. * Make modifications. If necessary, make modifications to the stairs to make them safer for people with Parkinson’s. This could include adding a ramp or installing a stairlift. By following these tips, people with Parkinson’s can safely navigate stairs and maintain their independence.Pedaling for Progress: Spin Cycling’s Transformative Impact on Parkinson’sPedaling for Progress: Spin Cycling’s Transformative Impact on Parkinson’s With nearly a million Americans battling Parkinson’s disease, its relentless symptoms pose significant challenges. However, a promising new program, “Pedaling for Parkinson’s,” is harnessing the power of spin cycling to empower patients and improve their daily lives. 63-year-old Lamont Dorrity, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his early 50s, experienced tremors and other debilitating symptoms that gradually worsened. Despite deep brain stimulation surgery to alleviate his tremors, other symptoms persisted. About a year ago, Dorrity enrolled in the research-backed “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” program. This program focuses on intense indoor cycling known as forced cycling, where participants pedal at a fast pace of at least 80 RPM for extended periods. “Even after the second session, I felt a noticeable improvement in my running,” Dorrity exclaimed. Exercise therapist Adam Ballenger explains the neurological benefits of this demanding exercise. “Movement is crucial for maintaining neurological health,” he says. Forced cycling stimulates the brain’s production of dopamine, which plays a key role in controlling Parkinson’s-related symptoms. Participants in the program have reported significant improvements, with some experiencing a 35% reduction in their symptoms. While not a cure, researchers believe it may hinder the disease’s progression. Dorrity now feels more balanced and confident in his daily life with Parkinson’s. “The biggest challenge is making the effort to do it, but it’s worth every bit of it,” he says. Despite the temporary suspension of the program at Intermountain Health, Dorrity and Ballenger strongly advocate for its continuation. They encourage Parkinson’s patients to explore the potential benefits of spin cycling to enhance their quality of life and redefine their fight against this challenging condition.