CE in Parkinson’s works at two levels: it addresses existing
problems and endeavours to prevent new ones.
It does not replace medication but works alongside it, looking also at the effects and side effects of
medications. It encourages the
individual to be active at all times, not just when medications are most
effective.
CE can help overcome or alleviate
everyday problems arising from some of the most common motor symptoms in
Parkinson’s - such as tremor, rigidity,
bradykinesia, freezing, facial
masking and micrographia – as it provides an opportunity to learn practical
techniques to overcome these difficulties.
CE techniques may be helpful for the following:
- maintaining a central body position
and improving posture, balance, and both range and control of movement
- using rhythm to change the timing
of movements needed when performing fine motor activities such as buttoning
clothes or tying shoelaces
- improving the initiation of
movement when voluntary movement is reduced or during freezing, and increasing
the rhythm and speed of movements
- learning how to transfer weight
when stepping
- improving arm swing, increasing
length of stride and fluency in walking
- overcoming obstacles and changing
direction
- improving concentration to achieve
co-ordinated movement
- improving breathing techniques to
assist with volume, articulation and intonation of speech
- improving facial expression
- improving handwriting, to keep it
consistent and a legible size
- motivation to
overcome difficulties encountered in everyday life and nurture a
belief that one’s goals can be achieved.
Techniques are generally taught within structured group sessions and may be
adapted and used to suit individual needs.
CE strategies can help you complete daily activities and learn new ones
with increased confidence, and many have reported improved motivation and
general wellbeing. In fact,
participants attending conductive education sessions who were invited to take
part in a Quality of Life pilot study (2004 to 2006) reported positive results
from their sessions. Copies of the pilot
study report are available at www.conductive-education.org.uk/2008/pdfs/job%20237_03_07%20pilot%20study.pdf
It is may also be helpful for carers
to attend CE sessions too as they can then assist the person they care for to
put into practice what they have both learned.
