Parkinson's Disease patients in training for City to Surf

A group of 11 newly-diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease patients have made participation in this year’s Chevron City to Surf for Activ a major goal as part of their rehabilitation activities at St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals.

22 Aug 2019

23 August 2019

St John of God Midland Private and Public Hospital's Senior Occupational Therapist Ellen Feeney said the goal was an extension of a specialised exercise program, known as PD Warrior, which the patients are undertaking at the hospital as well as at home.

“When we started running the PD Warrior program at the hospital we thought it would be helpful to develop a goal for the participants, like competing in either the 4km or 12km walking categories of the City to Surf,” she said.

Parkinson’s Disease is a complex disorder, involving both motor and non-motor symptoms.

“Specific exercise can slow the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease by challenging the brain as well as the body,” Ellen said.

“As affected people experience changes to their movement, including slowed movement, stiff muscles and becoming easily tired when walking, the team are working really hard to prepare for the event.

“For all of these patients, participating in the City to Surf will be an incredible achievement.”

St John of God Midland Private and Public Hospital’s multidisciplinary Parkinson’s Disease clinic includes a range of programs, like PD Warrior, to provide a holistic approach to the management of Parkinson’s disease for patients.

In addition to improving cardiovascular fitness of Parkinson’s Disease patients and reducing the risk of falls, PD Warrior aims to prolong independence and improve quality of life.