Apr 19 2009

Exercise Research at the Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Jay Alberts, Ph.D.,  from the Center for Neurological Restoration at the Cleveland Clinic will be my special guest on the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Program at 11:00 am pacific time on Thursday, April 23rd. Dr. Alberts and I will also be talking with Scott Luikart who is participating in the Race Across America this summer to raise money for research on Parkinsons. 

Listen to the program over phone by calling 347-945-5358 at 11:00 am pacific time – Thursday, April 23rd or listen in here.  I hope you can join  us.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

The Race Across America (RAAM), is a solo, 12 day, 3,021 mile bike race.  It touches 15 states and climbs more than 100,000 feet. Once the clock starts on the west coast, it doesn’t stop until the racer reaches the finish line on the east coast.  Scott Luikart, a 2009 RAAM participant, has chosen to use the RAAM as an avenue to raise much needed funds for cutting edge Parksinson’s disease (PD) research going on at the LRI.

What motivates someone to push their body to the extreme?  Ask Scott that question and his answer comes without hesitation. His twin brother Mark was Scott’s inspiration to begin cycling four years ago. Mark was recently diagnosed with PD. 

While watching MSNBC one night, Scott heard about the exciting work of Jay Alberts, Ph.D. of the Center for Neurological Restoration at the Cleveland Clinic. About 200 miles into a week long “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” awareness ride on a tandem bicycle, Dr. Alberts noticed the Parkinson’s symptoms disappearing from the patient who was riding with him.

From this experience, Dr. Alberts asked: Could exercise — be therapeutic for PD patients? Initial research is telling us “yes.”  Donations raised through the RAAM will go to support this cutting edge work leading to more answers which we feel will have a direct impact on the lives of those living with PD.

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One Response to “Exercise Research at the Cleveland Clinic”

  1. P. Almson 29 Apr 2009 at 11:52 pm

    I feel I have an answer to that question. I am 57 yrs old female diagnosed in 2000. One year ago I started playing tennis again after not playing for ten years because I was afraid to. No one told me not to play, I just gave it up cause I thought I should. Now I play 3 times a week. I am the only one at the club that plays and has PD. I find it inconvenient when I get out there and suddenly get ‘off’ and my rigidity makes my walk suddenly take on the look of a balerina on her toes. I am so grateful to be able to play that I just keep thanking the Lord for just letting be on that court at all. When I win (doubles not singles) it’s just an added bonus that feels oh so graaaand! I am stronger than I have ever been. I have alot of pain in my back when I sit for any length of time. I want to go to Germany with my husband in August but don’t know how I can take sitting for that length of time. I have tennis elbow as well, but it’s a small price to pay.I LOVE TO PLAY, and I always feel better on the days that I do. I basically take the same meds I did 3 years ago. YES YES to exercise, it does help and it feels soooo good when you win!!! Pam

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