None — Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when cells in an area of the brain, called the substantia nigra, die. These cells are responsible for the production of dopamine, a chemical used to transmit signals that support smooth, coordinated movement. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease become evident when about 80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells are lost.
Parkinson's disease is often classified as a movement disorder with four main symptoms: resting tremor, slowed movement, balance problems and rigidity. Resting tremor is shaking, usually in the hand or foot, while the limb is at rest. About 70 percent of Parkinson's patients develop a resting tremor in the early stages of the disease. Slowed movement, or bradykinesia, means a patient takes longer than usual to perform an activity. It can lead to walking with a short, shuffling gait, sudden stopping and difficulty starting a movement. Balance problems (postural instability) affect the ability to remain upright while standing or walking, turning or rising from a seated position. Rigidity refers to stiffness, or increased muscle tone. It can affect the ability to swing the arms when walking (further compounding balance problems) causing stiffness in the neck, shoulders, hands or legs.
According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, roughly one million Americans have Parkinson's disease. Roughly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the condition annually. Most patients are over 60 at the time of diagnosis. However, 5 to 10 percent are 40 or younger when diagnosed. In all patients, the symptoms progress and greatly interfere with quality of life and the ability to carry out daily activities.
Good Vibrations for Parkinson's
During the mid 19th century, French neurologist, Jean-Martin Charcot discovered patients with Parkinson's disease felt better after a carriage ride. He theorized the "shaking" and vibrations from the ride somehow eased the symptoms. To test the hypothesis, Charcot designed a special "shaking" chair for his patients. Reportedly, those who used the chair had less pain and stiffness and improved sleep quality.
Now, some modern-day physicians are picking up on the idea for current Parkinson's patients. Researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago are testing the use of a sophisticated vibration chair. The chair cushion contains speakers that are connected to an amplifier. When the patient sits in the chair, the music is turned on and the acoustics from the speakers generate strong vibrations.
In the current study, investigators are following a group of 20 Parkinson's patients. All patients will have an initial assessment of their symptoms and disease status. Both groups will use the chair for one-half hour a day, every day for four weeks. However, half of them will get the vibration therapy and half will get only music (no vibrations). At the end of the four week study, the participants will return for a follow-up evaluation. Neurologist Sachin Kapur, M.D., says at that time, those who were enrolled in the music only group will be offered to try to vibration therapy for four weeks.
Other studies of vibration therapy for Parkinson's disease have yielded mixed results. Some studies have shown significant improvement in symptoms, while others haven't seen any benefits to the treatment. Still, Kapur believes vibration therapy may be an effective adjunct therapy for some patients with Parkinson's disease.
For information about the study, click here.
For information on Parkinson's Disease:
American Parkinson Disease Association Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Parkinson Foundation Parkinson's Disease Foundation Parkinson Research Foundation