2023-04-22 17:39:11
At 79, she signed up for the club program Grizzly Boxing and Fitness in northeast Calgary. The program is specifically adapted to people living with Parkinson’s disease, to allow them to develop their balance, increase their reaction time and interact with other people living with the disease.
For Shirley Jager, who has been involved for six years now, the program is a lifeline.
When I can’t come here, the Parkinson’s gets worse. You shake more, you get lazy, and it’s like walking around confused
she explains.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. Most often, it causes tremors and balance problems. According to Parkinson Canada, approximately 100,000 Canadians are living with the disease, and that number continues to grow.
There are many medications and treatments to help minimize the symptoms people may have, but nothing stops the progression of the disease.
Don Mallory, 54, began experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in his early 30s. He participates in the program Grizzly Strides for about five years and attributes his mobility to his passion for exercise.
People who do not have Parkinson’s disease do not take into account the effort it takes to walk, for example
he points out, adding that he tries to maintain his lifestyle as long as he can.
At the gym, participants like Don Mallory and Shirley Jager perform a series of exercises. They hit light circles with their boxing gloves, duck under cables and work on their footwork.
The program, which does not include combat, was developed in 2016 by Darcy Irwin. One of the things we do is focus on balance and mobility
she explains. When you have Parkinson’s disease, balance can be challenged over time, and a fall is the ultimate enemy. We therefore work continuously to be able to help them face the adversity that awaits them.
Shirley Jager immediately noticed a difference in her abilities. The boxing stance helps in an outdoor environment, the way you stand makes it not so easy for people to bump into you and knock you down
she shares.
Don Mallory also appreciates being able to meet others who, like him, have Parkinson’s disease. It’s a good social event. It’s really like a big family
he said.
Ambulosono
Participants of the boxing class also have another tool at their disposal. Grizzly Boxing partnered with the University of Calgary last year to offer them the chance to use an app as part of a study.
Don Mallory has been using the Ambulosono app, developed by a group at the University of Calgary, for just over a month.
Photo : Radio-Canada / David Mercer
The person behind the project is Dr. Bin Hu, a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary. He specializes in research on Parkinson’s disease.
While medications and brain stimulation are helpful, he says one of the most promising areas of treatment for the disease is rehabilitation and exercise.
The app, called Ambulosono, examines how a combination of exercise and music therapy encourages participants to increase their stride length or gait.
A small sensor is installed around the person’s knee and music plays when the person begins to walk.
When movements or stride become too weak – a symptom of Parkinson’s disease – the music cuts out. Music is also encouraging, according to Dr. Bin Hu, because it activates reward pathways in the brain.
The study has been running for more than a decade, with more than 4,000 participants across the world.
Don Mallory has been involved in the study for just over a month. Even if it doesn’t help me specifically, if it can help other people with Parkinson’s disease, it’s worth it for sure
does he think.
Shirley Jager also uses the app. Movement is the key. The more you slow down, the more you lag behind
she recalls.
With information from David Mercer
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