How do we define program success?: 15 years experience with the Parkinson's Disease Exercise Program

This poster presents preliminary data collected from 15 participants in the Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Parkinson's Disease Exercise Program (the only program of its kind in Central Illinois). For more than 15 years this program has offered structured exercise instruction and supervision for persons with Parkinson's Disease. Results from analyses to responses to the structured interview schedule designed for this assessment research show reduction in functional decline in gait (longitudinal measure), reduction in accidental falls (self-report), and improvements in self-reports of quality of life and emotional regulation which were attributed to program participation. Early this year, 2011, new enrollees in the program have begun to provide baseline data using the survey instrument designed for this program. These new enrollees will be followed at six months to assess short-term changes noted through participation in the classes. The program structure is unique and offers persons with Parkinson's Disease access to physical exercise, aerobic activities and strength training tailored to their needs with exercise focus varying according to the stage of disease progression, an individual's capacity for learning exercise, age and preferences.