Monday, December 6, 2010

How The AB-Inforcer Can help Those With PD‏

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in Oct. 2000 at the age of 36.I went to physical therapy for over 5 years 2 times a week for lower back pain,neck pain and severe headaches, but that did not help the pain and my walking was getting worse. I also wasn't able to stand up straight. My doctor increased my meds but that did not help. In January 2008 I had my check up with my Neurologist we talked about getting a handicap sticker and possibly in 6 months to a year needing something to help me walk. I left there thinking about what we talked about and decided I'm not going to let PD take over me. I did some research to see if there was an exercise I can do to help me with my pain , my posture and to get my legs stronger. I found Lee Brandon, CSCS by researching core strengthening exercises and performance and I asked her if she has ever worked with someone with PD as she has worked with people who had back problems to get there back stronger. She said no but after telling her about PD and how I was feeling, she said that she was willing to give it a try to help me. I started working out with Lee over the phone doing my Core exercises using the Core biofeedback system called the AB-Inforcer in May 2008. 7 weeks later my back pain was gone and so were my headaches, 3 months later my legs are stronger and my posture is getting better. If you don't have good posture and you are leaning forward or your head is in the wrong position, then you won't have good balance and that is very important to have with Parkinson's disease. I will not need that walker anymore. The research indicates what I tested to be true, and that is that postural/core strength are directly connected to gait and balance.After 3 months of training doing these exercises with Lee's guidance, my doctor, Dr. Okun at Gainesville, was shocked at my appointment on August 4, 2008, , he could not believe how good I was doing based on the UPDRS: HON AHD YHAR Testing criteria. I was able to walk fast down the hall, stand up with my hands across my chest from a sitting position - a task I was never able to do before and I passed all my other test. My scores use to be 4's the worst score you can get. This visit my score was a 0, the best you can get. He confirmed that whatever training I had been doing with the AB-Inforcer has definitely helped me. Now in 2010, I am still performing at a heightened level with a higher degree of balance and improved posture due to maintaining this exercise program."UPDRS pre and post test done by same Neurological team in Gainesville in Florida.
I have been helping other Parkinson's patients with this Core biofeedback system and they are getting the success I got with this exercise. I am trying to get Physical Therapist and Chiropractors to incorparate this exercise in there procedures. I know with this exercise along with other exercise Parkinson's Patients will benefit. It has been over 2 1/2 years since I have been working out with the Ab-Inforcer and I am still going strong. And since I am doing so good my doctor lowered my Meds on July, 21, 2009. When I went back for my follow up Feb,15,2010 my Doctor said I was doing so well she said I look like someone that was newly diagnosed.
I believe exercise and keeping the core muscles strong is the key for Parkinson's pateints. Because the Ab-Inforcer not only helps the core muscles it helps with breathing and strenghthens the posture. Keeping your posture straight will help with balance.
Check out my before and after video