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Tip for the Day

Physiological Tool

Exercise is a physiological tool to promote the body’s own endogenous brain repair mechanisms.

 

Additive Effects

Exercise is immediately available and can be safely combined with other treatments for potentially additive effects! Several clinical trials in people with PD have shown that exercise plus meds benefits function more than medications alone!

 

Exercise is MEDICINE!

Exercise is MEDICINE!™ Take your daily dose!

 

Therapist

See a physical/occupational/speech therapist for intensive 1:1 bouts of PD-specific exercise EVERY YEAR. Insurance will typically cover annual exercise tune-ups and rechecks throughout the year. Ask for a PD-expert rehabilitation specialist. Continue to go every 3-6 months for tune-ups, home program updates, or goal setting.

 

In the Future

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

 

PWR!GYM Calendar

Download and Print monthly PWR!GYM Calendars (PDF File)

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PWR!GYM RAPWorld Parkinson Congress Video Competition Entries Sept 28-Oct 1, 2010
PWR!GYM IN ACTION!

Purpose

  1. 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!
  2. 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”


Subsidies provided to individuals with Parkinson’s disease that are members of the AZ Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (AZ-APDA). The subsidies are total $25/month per individual and offset the costs of our group classes. If you are not a member, contact www.azapda.org now.

Arizona Chapter

Medtronic provided a grant to kickstart the Train the Trainer program. We have completed a rehabilitation-focused and a fitness-focused training program in Phoenix. We will be developing more continuing education materials (DVD’s/manuals) and pursuing approval for continuing education credits from several health and fitness cerification associations.

Medtronic
Mid Valley Athletic Club
Mid-Valley Athletic Club and Wellness Center is providing us with space for minimal fees. 140 S. Tucson Blvd, Tucson AZ 85716 www.mvactucson.com

An official “PWR GYM” site located in Tucson, AZ