Tai Chi - Chinese martial art/exercise - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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Tai Chi - Chinese martial art/exercise

AtaxiaCarer profile image
8 Replies

My partner, who was diagnosed 3 months ago, has been recommended to take Tai Chi. Balance is a question by it helps. He has also started going to gym 3 times (30-40 mins/time) and it has helped his balance. We live in Gisborne, NZ

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AtaxiaCarer profile image
AtaxiaCarer
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8 Replies
_ada profile image
_ada

Oh, I wanted to start tai chi but here in PL are groups that already started in September and you can't join in the middle. So I have to wait for the next year and next group :)

AtaxiaCarer profile image
AtaxiaCarer in reply to _ada

Try looking at YouTube videos on basic Tai-chi. That's a good way to start. And we are searching for those too.

_ada profile image
_ada in reply to AtaxiaCarer

Do you recommend some youtuber maybe? I've searched for some videos and there is not many :) Of course it's perfect when you have instructor and you can improve but I agree, YouTube will be good option for a start.

Happyfacexx profile image
Happyfacexx

If you go to the website walkingwithataxia.com you will read all about a doctor who is now completely symptom free, though things like tai chi ,mainly dancing , these things are well worth doing and the sooner the better

Hi AtaxiaCarer!

These are our experiences regarding physical exercises.

First: If physicians agree that there is suspicion of a Parkinson-like neurological disease (PSP-RS, PSP-CBD, PSP-P etc.), then I suggest to start an intensive and systematic exercise program including walking, up and down stairs, speech therapy, etc. as soon as possible, trying to slow down eventual muscle dysfunction. (Bearing in mind that Parkinsonian patients become significantly more fatigued (parallel to disease progression) for the same activities than those not sick, then they require more frequent rest periods.)

Recently (08-2018) and apparently with good results, Rock Steady Boxing exercises applied to PD patients are being tested to newly diagnosed PSP patients.

Rock Steady Boxing for Patients with Parkinson's: youtube.com/watch?v=XC1h4yg...

A serious fall with serious consequences (hospitalization, surgical intervention, strong medication, etc.) as well as a serious illness (pneumonia, severe flu, etc.) are typical situations that can trigger a fatal process. It is not uncommon for the PSP patient to overcome these types of situations - but these situations eleven overcome are often accompanied by some increase in the PSP symptoms and a decrease in the quality of life.

We hired a group of physiotherapists specialized in movement problems with neurological origin.

After a month, they defined an exercise protocol and taught us how to do it (They are not difficult). Since then we do them through a trained person who helps us.

This is a summary of the protocol:

Exercise 6 days a week: passive in bed (move all major muscles) and active (helped by 1 or 2 people). At least go up and down 50 steps (odd days), walk 200-300 meters (even days). Speech therapy exercises and exercises of mouth and ocular muscles. Then she needs to rest at least 30 minutes. Swimming can be an excellent exercise if ... the chosen style is done correctly. It is advisable to start with a monitor to ensure that the movements are correct.

• We have seen that, with an electric toothbrush of the muscles around the mouth (inside and outside) and a good hydration (moisturizers for skin and liquids by mouth) help to maintain the face muscles in good shape.

• In general it is important to encourage the patient to do things on their own. It is good that everything the patient can do by their own means, they should do it, even if it takes more time. With some help if necessary.

Hugs and luck.

Luis

benning profile image
benning in reply to LuisRodicioRodicio

Hi,very informative video.I do exercise a lot already. HOW DO I LOAD A VIDEO ON HEAR???

benning profile image
benning

I would love to do it,but I'm afraid my Balance is f...…. 20/25 yrs ago MAYBE..I'll just fall continuously.

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji

Have you found any Tai Chi class. If yes how are the results

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