Tip of the Day
In the future, exercise may not only improve function and quality of life in the symptomatic motor period; but may be used as a physiological tool along with gene and cell therapies to alter the course of the neurodegenerative disease in the pre-symptomatic period - Maguire-Zeiss et al. 2008
Parkinson Wellness Recovery
Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!)
PWR!GYM™ - AN EXERCISE AND ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON DISEASE!
The PWR!GYM™ program will be the first of its kind nationally, officially debuting at Mid Valley Athletic Club (MVAC), Tucson, AZ beginning Oct. 1, 2009. PWR!GYM™ is a community-based neurofitness and neurorecovery center for people with PD. The model programs implements Exercise4BrainChange™ principles shown to protect and optimize brain function. It was conceived by Dr. Becky Farley, a researcher, LSVT® BIG inventor, physical therapist, neuroscientist, and Parkinson’s exercise specialist to address the unmet needs in standard of care rehabilitation delivery models for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) (click here for unmet needs page). PWR! programs and PWR!GYM™centers are designed to be located in rehabilitation facilities, local gyms, or private fitness and personal training sites all over the region. PWR!GYM™ centers and specialty trained professionals will become an integral part of a nationwide network of PD-experts in the medical and fitness community (PWR! NETWORKS).
Here is an overview of the PWR! programs that we will offer at MVAC.
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PWR!GYM™ GROUP EXERCISE PROGRAMS PWR! MOVES™
See eligibility criteria below.
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PWR!GYM™ 1:1 BRAIN CHANGE PROGRAMS RECHARGE™A novel high intensity FORCED USE program that targets PD-specific motor deficits. Approaches are customized for each individual and based upon recent experimental research studies. We will implement and integrate experimental approaches NOW that have been shown to improve bradykinesia, rigidity, turning, freezing, postural instability, endurance, balance, strength, and more to meet your needs!! An evidenced-based high effort FORCED USE sensori-motor program that targets retraining larger/faster movements for everyday life! Benefites have been shown to extend to gait, balance and quality of life improvements out to 3-months. PWR! HOUR™ |
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| Functional criteria to be eligible for all GROUP classes: All participants must be able to get up and down from the floor with a chair, walk 300 feet independently with or without assistive device, and be able to follow instructions with minimal cueing. If we do not have the right class for you; we will make recommendations to help you reach your goals. |
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PWR!GYM™ ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS OPEN to the ENTIRE COMMUNITY. To address physiological, cognitive, social, and emotional function to optimize quality of life, slow motor deterioration and AGEWELL. (click here for Enrichment Programs Schedule page). WII-HAB |
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PWR! NETWORK™ Not every PWR! program will be offered at every site. But, even for a remote site with only one trainer, we want to assure that every instructor has a basic understanding of PD and how to use their skills to help the individual with PD get better and stay better. To meet this goal we will be offering continuing education programs (see below) and a website database so that patients, therapists, and physicians can access our PWR! NETWORK™ of rehabilitation and fitness professionals in the region. The PWR! NETWORK™will provide the infrastructure for early exercise intervention research to demonstrate slowing of motor deterioration. We are developing a data entry system that can be accessed via multiple PWR!GYM™ sites and allow coordination and tracking of longitudinal assessment data. Finally, we will also train caregivers to better prepare them to coach, motivate, and interactive with their spouse, family member, or friend to help increase their overall level of physical activity during everyday activities. |
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PWR! ACADEMY™ Click on date for course flyer/description/registration info. NEW TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS PWR! UP™ Understanding Exercise for Parkinson Disease - Prerequisite for all courses.
PWR! MOVES™ - Group Instructor Training
PWR! Clinician™
Implementing Exercise4BrainChange™ in persons with Parkinson disease.
From clinic to community!
COMING SOON. PWR! COACH™ - Lay public training for class volunteers, spouses/family/friends PWR! Trainer™ PWR! CIRCUIT™ PWR!GYM™ Assessment PWR!GYM™ Facility CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A CERTIFICATION, CONSULTATION, OR COURSE AT YOUR FACILITY. 520-591-5346
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PWR! Academy
Purpose
- Promote early and continuous access to PD-specific exercise programs based upon the latest scientific advances shown to: improve function, quality of life, slow motor deterioration, and change the brain!
- Establish a network of PD-expert exercise sites and individuals across AZ.
Testimonials
“ When I come to class, I don’t feel like I have Parkinson’s
- John Giacoletti, class member
What a difference a disease makes!! Now exercising isn’t an option; it’s a given. It’s my job.
- “Peggy Van Hulsteyn”
