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Program Helps Parkinson's Patients Gain Strength

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Jan 21, 2008 4:10 pm US/Eastern

Program Helps Parkinson's Patients Gain Strength

BOSTON (WBZ) ― A local hospital has developed a new exercise program to reach out to Parkinson's patients, helping them stretch their way to strength.

After Joan Larsen was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago she enrolled in Massachusetts General Hospital's special exercise class specifically for patients like her.

"I wanted something that would help me in the early stages of the disease," Larsen said.

The exercises are specially tailored to meet the specific needs of patients with Parkinson's and other related movement disorders.

"(Parkinson's) is a condition that causes rigidity and balance issues," said Nancy Huggins of Massachusetts General Hospital. "The exercises are designed to counteract the changes in rigidity and balance."

"We stretch because rigidity is a problem we want to counteract and help balance," said class instructor Camille Kitrell.

"I usually feel a lot better after I exercise," Larsen said.

There's growing evidence that in addition to medication, exercising can help patients maintain their strength, and that just being with other patients in class can also provide emotional support.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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