Parkinson's Pole Walking

Parkinson’s disease is a type of neurological disorder caused by a loss of cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells produce dopamine, a chemical used to signal smooth, coordinated movement of the muscles.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s typically begin to appear when about 80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells are lost. There are four key signs: tremor, slowed movement, rigidity and balance problems. Tremor affects about 70 percent of patients in the early phase of the disease. The shaking occurs in a hand or foot on one side of the body, usually while the limb is at rest and the muscles are relaxed. Slowness of movement, or bradykinesia leads to difficulty initiating movement and sudden stopping. Patients may walk with short, shuffling steps. Sometimes the muscles of the face are affected, giving the person a “mask-like” appearance. Rigidity is a stiffness of the muscles. It occurs because the muscles are unable to relax. Balance problems cause instability when walking, turning or getting up from a seated position.

The National Parkinson Foundation estimates about one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. Nearly 60,000 new cases occur every year. Most patients are diagnosed after 60. However, about 5 to 10 percent of patients develop signs by 40.

Risk for Falls

People with Parkinson’s disease often develop a characteristic gait, with short, slow steps and occasional freezing (sudden stopping followed by an inability to initiate continued movement). Arm rigidity decreases the ability to swing the arms. As a result of these symptoms, patients are at increased risk for falls.

Researchers estimate up to 68 percent of Parkinson’s patients experience at least one fall. One-third of those who fall suffer some type of fracture. In fact, investigators report falls and fractures are the second leading cause of hospital admissions for Parkinson’s patients. Annual treatment for these injuries is estimated to cost $192 million.

Taking Parkinson’s in Stride

Studies show exercise, especially workouts that target balance and the muscles in the lower limbs, can greatly reduce the risk for falls among older people. Those with Parkinson’s may also benefit from an exercise program. However, rigidity can make exercise difficult. Some patients may also be afraid of falling during exercise.

Arizona researchers are testing the use of walking poles to help Parkinson’s patients with movement and balance problems. Patients can use the poles to maintain balance while walking. Holly Shill, M.D., Neurologist with Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, AZ, says the poles also provide a bit of an upper extremity workout.

In the current study, Parkinson’s patients are using the poles to exercise for 45 minutes, three days a week. Patients are advised not to compete with one another, but rather to work out at a comfortable intensity, with the goal of getting to a target heart rate.

Darolyn O'Donnell, Recreation Therapy Coordinator with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix, AZ, says prior to the start of the class, participants put on heart monitors and pedometers. This allows researchers to monitor the effects of the exercise. Researchers are also performing 3 sets of PET scans on the patients to determine if the exercise program has any favorable changes in brain metabolism.

The current study involves 16 patients. Although the results are not yet known, Schill expects to see some advantages to pole striding. She has observed that Parkinson’s patients who exercise tend to have a better quality of life and slower progression of their disease.

To find out more about the Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center, including ongoing research, click here.

For general information on Parkinson’s disease:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s ResearchNational Parkinson FoundationParkinson’s Disease Foundation