-
Dec 5, 2006 12:49 pm US/Mountain
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Denver Parkinson's Patients Help Exercise Research
by Kathy Walsh
DENVER (CBS4) ―
A study of people with
Parkinson's disease in the Denver area may help researchers learn which type of exercise can help patients improve balance and flexibility. Seventy people are currently enrolled in the
Stay Active With Parkinson's study. Researchers are looking for another 70 participants.
One group of people in the study gets together three times a week for 30 minutes to exercise. They stretch and work on their balance. They even do the chicken dance. There program is specially designed.
"What we need to know next is what's the best approach to exercise," said Margaret Schenkman PT, Ph.D of the
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. "What is going to give the best bang for the buck."
A second group of patients is trying just aerobic conditioning.
A third group follows a home base exercise program tailored to Parkinson's.
"We're trying to find out which of these three is best in the short term and which people can keep up with on their own in the long term," Schenkman said.
The study started at the CU Health Center in 2003. Schenkman hopes to come up with recommendations about exercise that will keep Parkinson's patients active and independent.
Participants in the study must have Parkinson's disease but be able to function independently.
Those interested should call 303-724-1266.
(© MMVI CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)