15 replies to this topic

[Pat]

Ballet has had a remarkable effect on some people with Parkinson's Disease.

"A small group of folks with Parkinson's Disease took a 12 week class in which they learned steps from Rudolph Nureyev's Romeo and Juliet."

"Over the course of 12 weeks they were temporarily transformed, rising out of wheelchairs during classes, smiling and rediscovering confidence on their feet."

The study was conducted by researchers from London's Roehampton University and adds to growing evidence that dance and other movement disciplines aid in a variety of conditions suffered by the elderly, in particular. This class was a bit unique in that members of the English National Ballet taught the movements which must have been an interesting experience for dancers that usually dance only with elite performers.

http://www.allworldd...ns-disease.html

An interesting study, probably very good fun and looks like the results have been very positive. Uplifting stuff.

[harper]

Very plausable, IMV. Dance is being identify as a positive factor in people's lives in a number of ways and very high on the wellbeing agenda. It makes sense to get all those motorneuron pathways going and much more pleasant than being a gym bunny.

[Canny Lass]

Very plausable, IMV. Dance is being identify as a positive factor in people's lives in a number of ways and very high on the wellbeing agenda. It makes sense to get all those motorneuron pathways going and much more pleasant than being a gym bunny.

I think dancing is a right tonic. I read somewhere recently that there's going to be the world's largest dashing white sergeant. That should put folk in good form. The more scientific aspects sound very hopeful and like you say, Harper, ballet is more pleasant than the gym.

[TheHappyTraveller]

Ballet has had a remarkable effect on some people with Parkinson's Disease.

"A small group of folks with Parkinson's Disease took a 12 week class in which they learned steps from Rudolph Nureyev's Romeo and Juliet."

"Over the course of 12 weeks they were temporarily transformed, rising out of wheelchairs during classes, smiling and rediscovering confidence on their feet."

The study was conducted by researchers from London's Roehampton University and adds to growing evidence that dance and other movement disciplines aid in a variety of conditions suffered by the elderly, in particular. This class was a bit unique in that members of the English National Ballet taught the movements which must have been an interesting experience for dancers that usually dance only with elite performers.

http://www.allworldd...ns-disease.html

An interesting study, probably very good fun and looks like the results have been very positive. Uplifting stuff.

I think this is wonderful, as one of the most important things about having a disability is retaining your dignity. Dancing for Parkinson's Disease is not about precision or correctness... it's about finding joy.

[harper]

Spot on Happy Traveller. You can stuff yur gyms any day of the week. dancing hits the spot on so many levels. Like they say... dance like no one is watching...

[G12bloke]

Keep a fire burning in your eye
Pay attention to the open sky
You never know what will be coming down
I don't remember losing track of you

[harper]

Beautiful song, G12Bloke. Always brings a tear to my eye.

[TheHappyTraveller]

Spot on Happy Traveller. You can stuff yur gyms any day of the week. dancing hits the spot on so many levels. Like they say... dance like no one is watching...

I agree Harper, and... dance like no one’s going to put it on YouTube.

[harper]

Wild horses couldn't make me put anything on You Tube. Like not having a tattoo, not being on You Tube and Facebook is the new rebellion.

[Pat]

Wild horses couldn't make me put anything on You Tube. Like not having a tattoo, not being on You Tube and Facebook is the new rebellion.

You're more of a rebel than I am.

[harper]

Well, Pat, I think that ship you have tattooed across your chist suits you just fine.

[Pat]

Well, Pat, I think that ship you have tattooed across your chist suits you just fine.

What can I say, I'm a Clydesider.

[TheHappyTraveller]

Wild horses couldn't make me put anything on You Tube. Like not having a tattoo, not being on You Tube and Facebook is the new rebellion.

Couldn't agree more!

[starsky]

Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire are looking for people with and without Parkinson’s to take part in a study examining the benefits of dance on the symptoms of Parkinson’s. If you’re over the age of 50, you may be eligible to take part.
The researchers hope to find out whether dance is a form of exercise that relieves the symptoms of Parkinson’s. They also would like to get a better understanding of which types of dance and movement are suitable for people with Parkinson’s.

[harper]

It seems ot me that this research is part of a growing trend to find solutions that harness peoples' own inner resources. It's good stuff.

Welcome to the Forum, Starksy.

[Sofia53]

While the treatment for PD is constantly improving, there is no single, optimal treatment because the condition affects each individual differently. The symptoms can usually be effectively controlled, using a combination of therapies, which may include the following:
Medication
Adjunct therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy
Surgical treatments
One needs to work closely with ones doctor to find the right balance of treatments for specific symptoms experienced. Regular reviews are required and adjustments made as symptoms alter.