Free Parkinson’s exercise class could slow progression of the disease
Research shows that regular exercise and social interaction can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. A free weekly movement class being offered this fall at Northern Arizona University provides a healthy dose of both.
Parkinson’s, a chronic, progressive brain disorder that causes movement problems, affects more than half a million Americans. Almost everyone knows someone with Parkinson’s. For Valerie Carter, a clinical professor in NAU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, that someone was her mother.
“She was diagnosed at 54 and worked hard and lived well with the disease for 30 years,” Carter said. “She’s my hero, and she’s why I have focused my research efforts around improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s for as long as possible.”
Inspired by her mother’s journey and informed by her own research, Carter organized a free weekly exercise class at NAU for northern Arizonans who have Parkinson’s, along with Justin Singleton, a physical therapist at Flagstaff Medical Center. Carter said the class is different every week, but recent sessions have involved boxing, pole walking, strength training, functional movement, floor exercises and dance. Carter’s DPT students help out with the class, instructing participants on form and providing encouragement.
“Exercise for persons with Parkinson’s needs to be a combination of skilled movement and moderate to intensive levels of aerobic work,” Carter said. “Slow, small movements and movements with lots of rotation can help address the typical motor symptoms of the disease, like stiffness.”
Teaching exercise classes isn’t the only way Carter and her students show their commitment to creating better lives for people with Parkinson’s. DPT students have raised more than $250,000 since 2007 at their annual Go Big for Parkinson’s race at NAU, happening this year on Saturday, October 12.
The Parkinson’s exercise class is free and open to the public, thanks to a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. It happens Thursdays from noon to 12:50 p.m. at NAU Building 66, Room 128, 208 E. Pine Knoll Dr. To sign up, contact Carter at Valerie.Carter@nau.edu.