An excellent approach.Originally Posted by Xultrarunner
Please. There is interest, I assure you.If there is interest, I can flesh this out in greater detail.
Member
Starting Strength and Parkinson's
I haven't posted before because the search function answered all my questions and I did not have much to say. But, what has happened to me may help others. By way of background, I am 6 months short of 70 and a long term ultra trail runner. Before starting strength, at 5'8" I weight 140 lb and had a 13.5 inch neck. Then summer of 2011, I noticed my right hand shake at rest. A quick Wikipedia search suggested Parkinson's that was quickly confirmed by a neurologist. It turns out the tremor is the least worrisome aspect of this disease. Bradykinesia (moving slowly) is a huge problem - feels like moving through molasses. When you want to start to move, you can freeze as if your feet are rooted to the ground. The only way around this is to fall forward and catch yourself. Eccentric contractions lead to cog wheeling. It made going down stairs very difficult. Muscle atrophy is a huge problem. I am right handed and that was the part of my body most impaired. I could hardly sign my name.
A quick internet search showed the importance of exercise and youtube videos on the are impressive. However, more hours running slowly through the woods would not help! I found this forum and Starting Strength and it made a lot of sense. I got with the Program. Now, about a year and a half later, I have gone from 140 to 170 lb and still gain a pound or so a month. Neck size when from 13.5 to 16 inches. On the Rippetoe Kilgore age standards, I have hit intermediate for the bench, squat and deadliest. On my favorite lift, I do much better and am half way between advanced and elite.
At this point, I have finished the novice program and plan to focus on the OHP, partly because I find I have done well with it. However, the other reason is that this lift had a very dramatic impact on the typical stooped over posture of Parkinson's. I would dearly love to get as close as I can to body weight by my 70th birthday. My wife thinks this is not reasonable, but I tell her I see no value in being reasonable.
The bradykinesia is gone. The cog wheeling has also gone. I still have a mild tremor in my right hand and the grip on that hand limits my deadlift.
If there is interest, I can flesh this out in greater detail.
TMPHBITEU
An excellent approach.
Please. There is interest, I assure you.If there is interest, I can flesh this out in greater detail.
Member
Barbell training is indeed Big Medicine. I would also been keen to hear more of the progress you've made, FWIW.
Starting Strength Coach
Reason can be overrated!My wife thinks this is not reasonable, but I tell her I see no value in being reasonable.
TMPHBITEU
If you live in Santa Cruz, this is a common assumption.
Starting Strength Coach
You rascal!If you live in Santa Cruz, this is a common assumption.
TMPHBITEU
But I'm very interested in my info from the former runner. This is the first time we've heard from a Parkinson's patient, and I'm interested in whether he thinks that the endurance activity actually contributed to the problem, and what testing has been done since his symptoms have abated.
Member
Would also love to hear more.
Member
This post and your progress just made my day. I would appreciate hearing more.
Member
That is really impressive. Maybe get the neurologist to write up an anecdotal report?
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