January 6, 2006

Parkinson disease patients stretch their way to wellness

MGH Parkinson disease patients recently have made a commitment to a healthier lifestyle with their participation in a new outreach effort for patients with the illness - a tai chi and yoga class designed to provide support through exercise. The class is supported by the National Parkinson Foundation and was developed under the direction of Anne Young, MD, chief of MGH Neurology; John Growdon, MD, director of the Partners Parkinson Center, and Nancy Huggins, NP, also of the Partners Parkinson Center.

The first sessions of the pilot phase began meeting in September. The format
of the class — created especially to accommodate the patients' exercise goals — was developed by Theresa Lie-Nemeth, MD, of MGH Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Camille Kittrell, an MGH fitness consultant. "Patients with Parkinson disease tend to develop muscle and joint stiffness," says Growdon. "Stretching exercises counteract this tendency and allow the prescribed medications to work correctly."

With the pilot phase complete, the second phase of the class will begin this month. For more information or to learn how to enroll, contact Huggins at nhuggins@partners.org or at (617) 726-1884.

Below, stretching exercises help patients stay well.