Research Corner

The human body loves movement. We all have the innate capability to explore our bodies, strengthen, heal, and enjoy our livelihoods.

Dancing, as an adjunct to physical therapy, can help individuals with Parkinson’s improve in their gait, balance, and quality of life. In fact, Tango is shown to improve Parkinson’s motor signs, walking speed, and functional mobility. The "Dance for PD" program additionally improves sit-to-stand and endurance tests. “Differential Effects of Tango Versus Dance for PD in Parkinson Disease” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26733865.

Mood, cognition, and quality life is also improved in folks with Parkinson’s who participate in dancing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26318265

In the news:
http://www.npr.org/…/dance-returns-the-joy-of-movement-to-p…

Jamie Wong, PT, DPT

Research Corner - AB ALERT!!

So many people with back pain have been taught to artificially hold, grip, or tighten their abdominal muscles during exercise or daily movements, for the purpose of "stabilizing" the lumbar spine. New research shows why this approach not only doesn't work, but actually might reduce shock absorption, jeopardizing the spine and other joints like hips, knees and ankles:

http://www.jospt.org/doi/abs/10.2519/jospt.2016.5774

Revolutions in Fitness physiotherapists, trained in the Functional Manual Therapy approach, train clients to achieve stability through appropriate movement strategies, not just by sheer strength. Core strength is important, but our approach to achieving a happy spine is to encourage an automatic, integrated, well-timed core response during functional movement patterns, so it becomes a way of life. Movement should be a joy, not a chore!

Mark McMahon, DPT, OMT, CFMT

Running Injury Assessment

Every weekend, millions of Americans lace up their running shoes and hit the pavement. Running can be an excellent exercise. It has been shown to raise levels of good cholesterol, increase lung function, lower risk of stroke and fight depression, among many other health benefits. As with any physical activity, though, there is the chance for injury. In this interactive guide, we explain the possible causes of 10 common running injuries and offer suggestions for how a physical therapist could treat them. Says Michael Conlon, PT, who specializes in working with athletes, "The treatment advice is generic in nature. For all of these injuries, athletes need at least thorough evaluation of hip and ankle joints and often extending up to the thoracic spine. The goal of PT evaluation is always to determine the root cause." http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Web-Extras/Online-Extras/Common-Running-Injuries.aspx