Although research is still being conducted on the subject, strong evidence indicates that an effective treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is intensive exercise.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and the Dietrich Theater held a presentation on Saturday (April 7), outlining the benefits of exercise for those suffering from the disease.
The event was hosted by Kathy Reap, owner and trainer of Rock Steady Boxing of Northeast Pa., and George Stonier of Tunkhannock, a certified coach in Rock Steady Boxing. Also participating at the event was Kristina Dorkoski, a physical therapist at Allied Services Integrated Health System, as well as an instructor at Misericordia University; and Maureen Pascal, an associate professor at Misericordia.
Many symptoms
Stonier, who suffers from Parkinson’s, explained that most people associate tremors with the disease. He gave a demonstration to the audience, showing how badly his hands shook during the presentation.
But tremors are only one symptom of the disease, he explained.
Parkinson’s is a chronic neurological disorder with no cure. Current treatments include medication and deep brain simulation surgery, which Stonier has undergone.
Other problems include anxiety, bladder issues, mood swings, muscle spasms, depression, difficulty sleeping, slowness of movement, stiffness of limbs and trunk, and difficulty with posture, balance and coordination.
Stonier explained that he began exercising, which at first helped offset the symptoms. But as his body became accustomed to the routine, the benefits stopped.
Rock Steady Boxing
Then in 2016, Stonier heard about a program called Rock Steady Boxing which helps people suffering from Parkinson’s through an intense physical training program.
Reap explained that she set up a Rock Steady Boxing franchise in Old Forge six years ago to help her husband, who is also a victim’s of Parkinson’s Disease. The program was developed in 2006 by Scott Newman, an attorney with Parkinson’s. Among his clients were boxers, Reap explained, and Newman trained with some of them as part of an exercise regime.
Newman discovered that he felt much better - ‘rock steady’ - from the training, and developed the Rock Steady Boxing system. Starting out as one club in Indianapolis, the franchise now has 550 affiliates across the nation.
Reap emphasized that Rock Steady Boxing does not involve fighting an opponent. It is the intense physical training which helps to offset the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Boxers train to improve hand-eye coordination, which helps reduce tremors, she explained. The training emphasizes optimum balance, which helps with posture instability. Workouts also develop improved mental focus, which offsets cognitive issues.
Reap also explained that several levels of training available, to help people start from the beginning up through the advanced stages.
Stonier said he has been training at Rock Steady Boxing in Old Forge for the past 15 months. Eight months ago, he became a certified coach.
The Old Forge facility has about 40 participants, and Stonier provides coaching to some of them.
“Having Parkinson’s, I have an advantage, because I know what they’re going through,” he explained.
While people have inquired about the possibility of starting his own Rock Steady Boxing franchise in Tunkhannock, Stonier explained he could not due to the stress and responsibility. However, if someone else wishes to start a local franchise, he would be more than willing to function as a coach at the facility.
More confirmation
Dorkoski confirmed that there is strong evidence that intense physical exercise helps offset the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and a person can obtain the same benefits from other activities. She explained that Parkinson’s patients, used as test subjects, were instructed to train on bicycles, and the results recorded. The subjects then trained on tandem bikes, with a professional cyclist in the lead. The test pushed the people with Parkinson’s to their limits, but the results showed dramatic improvement compared to when they rode on their own.
Pascal explained that Misericordia University is currently conducting a study, in which information Parkinson’s subjects are being recorded. She said that although results are preliminary at this point, evidence indicates that intense physical activity helps to offset and in some instances reverse the affects of the disease - helping people to move and feel better.
Patience is the key
Although she did not speak during the presentation, Karen Stonier - George’s wife - explained afterward what is involved in being the spouse of someone afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease.
The keyword is patience.
“There are many times when it is best to let him alone and let him do things for himself,” she said. “I don’t offer to help unless he asks for it.”
Relatives - such as his parents, her parents and their son must also be patient with George in his everyday activities, Karen explained.
“It’s tough. It takes a lot of time,” she said.
The best thing to do in such circumstances is to be sympathetic to a person with Parkinson’s, without taking away the ability to do it for themselves.