Parkinson Research
Parkinson Research. Their is extensive research evidence to support the 4 pillars approach.
From the simple eduction of Parkinson patients to the positive effects of Neuroloplaticity (movement) to the power of taking control (lifestyle) and to the effect of our psychological approach to Parkinson’s.
This simple summary of some of the main non drug related Parkinson research is listed below in no particular order (highlights were added).
The ReGen protocol, developed by the Centre, is based on analyses carried out by a group of leading researchers and neurologists, and on treatments with proven effectiveness.
Research phases
In the journal *Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation*, in 1986, a study conducted by S.S. Palmer was published, concluding: “The results of these exercise programmes are similar. Most patients in both groups showed improvements in gait, tremor, grip strength, and coordination in activities requiring fine motor control.”
Dr M.R. Salati of Fidenza Hospital (Parma, Italy) states that “in Parkinson’s disease, it is beneficial from the very early stages to perform physical exercises to improve coordination and muscle tone, and to prevent muscle shortening and changes in capsular ligament articulation. Exercises should be carried out daily once the patient has been properly instructed during rehabilitative therapy.”
Lisa Shulman, MD, and other researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Baltimore VA Medical Center discovered that people with Parkinson’s who walked on a treadmill at a moderate speed for a longer period of time (low-intensity exercise) experienced greater improvements in mobility and dexterity compared to patients who walked for a shorter time but at higher speed and incline (high-intensity exercise). The researchers also observed improvements in mobility and strength. “These results show that physical exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease can make a real difference in functional movement. Exercise can delay disability and help maintain independence,” explains Lisa Shulman, MD.
Dr Lisa Shulman describes her successful research into the effects of moderate exercise in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Gereke and other researchers from Rhodes University in Memphis, TN, discovered that physical exercise can protect mice from toxic exposure (in other words, from the chemical agent that destroys dopamine, which is involved in the control of movement and balance). For full protection to occur, prolonged or sustained daily exercise was required.
Harvard Medical School. According to the *Harvard Health Letter* of March 2012, physical exercise can be one of the best and least used ways to fight Parkinson’s disease. Dr Edward Wolpow, a neurologist at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts (an institution affiliated with Harvard) and a member of the editorial board of the *Harvard Health Letter*, encourages his patients with early-stage Parkinson’s to train in order to improve their strength, balance, and endurance, because they will need these abilities later on.
According to the “Multidisciplinary Guideline ‘Parkinson’s Disease’” by Bastiaan Bloem et al., Parkinson’s disease represents a serious threat to patients’ quality of life. At every stage of the disease, quality of life can be significantly affected, worsening from 33% in the early stages to up to 85% in stage 4.
According to the *Parkinson’s Outcomes Project*, low mood and depression are the factors that most strongly affect patients’ health. Together with depression and anxiety, mood has the greatest impact on quality of life.
There is an important relationship between dopamine, expectations, and learning, and the power of expectations to guide changes in the brain. According to Tor Wager of the University of Colorado Boulder and Columbia University: “Research highlights the important connections between psychology and medicine.”
Dr Zigmond et al. of the University of Pittsburgh discovered that physical exercise reduces the negative effects “induced by dopaminergic neurotoxins, as well as the loss of dopaminergic neurons.”
Dr Giuseppe Meco of La Sapienza University of Rome states that “regular practice, even of the simplest exercises, combined with appropriate drug therapy, can help prevent the motor disorders caused by Parkinson’s disease.”
Dr Alberts et al. of the Cleveland Clinic established that patients with Parkinson’s who cycled at a speed 30% higher than their voluntary pace (high-intensity exercise) showed improvements in motor function, coordination, and manual dexterity. These improvements also persisted for several weeks after the end of the exercise programme. Jay L. Alberts discovered almost by chance how beneficial cycling could be while travelling across Iowa on a tandem bike with a friend affected by Parkinson’s. Something remarkable happened: although the disease had already taken away her ability to write legibly, she was able to write her name clearly after just the first day of cycling.
Cleveland Clinic researcher Jay Alberts found that bike riding temporarily helped alleviate the effects of the disease.
Beth Fisher and other researchers from the University of Southern California believe that exercise can help maintain brain connections, create new ones, and repair damaged ones. They suggest that, in certain situations, exercise-induced neuroplasticity in people with Parkinson’s may even outweigh some of the effects of neurodegeneration.
Hirsch (University of North Carolina) and Farley (University of Arizona), in an article published in the *European Journal of Physical Medicine* in June 2009, express concern that “many specialists remain unaware” of the scientific literature addressing exercise-induced brain repair.
A Model Community NeuroFitness Center of Excellence for Parkinson Exercise in Tucson, AZ. Sponsored by Parkinson Wellness Recovery, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Dr Becky Farley. All PWR! Gym programs implement the research-based Exercise4BrainChange framework created by Dr Farley to truly put Exercise as Medicine into practice for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Bastiaan Bloem, MD (Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Netherlands), a researcher involved in the ParkFit Study funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation, which measures the effectiveness of promoting an active lifestyle in people with Parkinson’s, explains that Dr Shulman’s findings (see above) highlight the importance of physical exercise in Parkinson’s disease.
The European Parkinson Therapy centre uses the Hoehn and Yahr Staging of Parkinson’s Disease.
The European Parkinson Therapy Centre usa la scala di Hoehn e Yahr per il stabilire la gravità della malattia di Parkinson. La scala comprende 5 stadi:
Stadio 1
Symptoms on one side of the body only. Minor interference with quality of life.
Stadio 2
Symptoms on both sides of the body. No impairment of balance but posture and gait effected.
Stadio 3
Balance impairment. Mild to moderate disease. Physically independent.
Stadio 4
Severe disability, but still able to walk or stand unassisted.
Stadio 5
Wheelchair-bound or bedridden unless assisted.
Our tailored therapies
Newly Diagnosed
We understand the devastating emotional journey of a Person who has been Newly Diagnosed with Parkinsons.
Innovative Regen therapy
ReGen (ReGeneration) is much more than a therapy: it is a new way of understanding and dealing with Parkinson's with hope and the tools you need to improve your quality of life. This therapeutic program helps you regain control by reducing symptoms, slowing the progression of the disease, and regaining autonomy in everyday activities.
Motor recovery of up to 60% at the end of the program.
PPM: Parkinson’s Progression Management
Following the ReGen program, we offer an advanced monitoring program (PPM) to help you maintain your progress over time, through continuous and personalized support, both physical and emotional.
Bobath method
Bobath is a specialized approach to motor and functional recovery following stroke and complex neurological disorders.
Through a comprehensive and targeted program, Bobath helps you improve your movements and recover compromised functions.
Specialist visits
From pelvic floor rehabilitation to nutrition, from Tecar therapy to speech therapy, we offer targeted therapies to improve voice, balance, and overall well-being.Each intervention supports specific aspects of Parkinson's disease and helps manage symptoms in everyday life.
ReGen@Home
With ReGen@Home, you can continue your therapy comfortably from home.
Through scheduled online sessions, our therapists guide you through the exercises, helping you maintain your progress and benefits over time.
