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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Laurie Craig, MS, Atlanta School of Massage, 2300 Peachford Road, Suite 3200, Atlanta, GA 30338 and Anna Svircev, BS, MPH, CMT, Emory University and Atlanta School of Massage, 2300 Peachford Road, Suite 3200, Atlanta, GA 30338, 770/454-7167, lauriecraig@atlantaschoolofmassage.com.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by progressive muscular rigidity, abnormalities of posture, slowness of movement, and tremor. Although pharmacological treatments provide partial and temporary relief of symptoms, disease progression leads to increasing neuromuscular discomfort and disability. Objectives for this study are to investigate neuromuscular therapy (NMT), a form of massage therapy, as a potential complementary treatment of motor and mental symptoms of PD. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the magnitude and variability of the acute effects of NMT on gross and fine motor functions in patients with moderately advanced PD using standard clinical measures. Additionally, it will examine the duration of this effect and determine the minimum dose of massage therapy necessary to achieve sustained clinical benefit. The methodology employed for the study is a controlled prospective experimental design. Data collection will begin in February 2002 and last six months. Each month participants will be randomly assigned to one of two relaxation therapy groups: neuromuscular therapy (touch therapy) or music therapy (non-touch therapy). Participants will undergo treatment twice a week for four weeks. Data will be collected six times throughout the study, using a variety of assessment tools to evaluate parkinsonian symptoms, qualitative motor tasks, quality of life, and psychological measures. This controlled study assessing quantifiable baseline measures and post treatment measures assists in determining if NMT can be beneficial to patients with PD. With positive findings, patients with parkinsonian symptoms could manage their symptoms nonpharmacologically with a relaxation treatment.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Elderly
Related Web page: www.emory.edu/WHSC/MED/NEUROLOGY/CAM/DevelopmenTALPILOTPROJECTS.htm
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.