MS balance control through ball throwing

[erash]

I think either Fancy1959 or WAshingtongirl mentioned they were doing this

multiplesclerosisnewstoday....

[jimeka]

I have just read that. I wonder why it only helps RRMS? Blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[erash in reply to jimeka]

jimeka there were only 8 ppl in this study. Did it say it didn't work for PPMS or did they just not have other types of ms in the study?

[jimeka in reply to erash]

I thought it said that they found it worked with people with RRMS after one session, but no mention of other forms of ms, blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[WAshingtongirl]

It wasn't me, erash . Must be Fancy1959 . Only one session? It sounds so simple! 💕

[Raingrrl]

Hi @erash! In one of my rounds of PT to try and help prevent further falls, my PT guy had me do an exercise where I stood on a balance board and threw a small medicine ball into a net. The ball would bounce back and I was supposed to catch it. Much more fun than a lot of the other stuff he had me do. It sounds hard but it was fun. However, I don't feel like it helped my other balance problems. Why I could balance and do this exercise but couldn't balance in other ways is a mystery.

[erash in reply to Raingrrl]

Raingrrl thats impressive! The balance board alone is tough.

Suppoposedly, neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains so we can circumvent some of these deficits. I've found that there's some generalized improvements (I'm no longer the worst in my senior citizen yoga and tai chi classes) but most of the improvements are specific to the skills I practice. Throw something new in there and it's like learning to walk all over again. 😜

[Raingrrl in reply to erash]

My theory of why I was able to do that exercise is that my only real physical 'talent' was, and is, my eye-hand coordination. I also have this crazy plastic board that I bought that helps with balance. (It was on Shark Tank! LOL!) I 'practice' balancing on that board for 5 minutes at a time but can't always maintain my balance in other situations. The board is also supposed to help with fitness but I only have used it to try and improve my balancing ability.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Raingrrl]

I have seen that Raingrrl do you think it helps at all? And please tell me you have something to grab so you don't fall!😱

J 🌠

[Raingrrl in reply to Jesmcd2]

It seems to help make my legs a little stronger and i can balance on the board for longer than at the start. However, I don't feel any different when navigating a standard set of stairs.

And yes..I'm careful when I'm using it.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Raingrrl]

Maybe you haven't noticed it yet? Raingrrl Could be just subtle changes.?

J 🌠

[erash in reply to Jesmcd2]

Jesmcd2 and Raingrrl

Jes is likely right that it's made some difference but I also think it's analogous to other activity.

So it's good to "cross train" but if you want to improve your running, you need to run. If you want to improve your stair navigation, you have to practice on stairs.

Descending stairs 😬

But I have improved...

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

I remember when I lost the feeling in my feet erash I just crawled up and down the stairs 😁 it was loads of fun.😒

J 🌠

[erash in reply to Jesmcd2]

Jesmcd2 today in yoga class, I was able to stand tall with my feet together and my eyes closed. I wanted to shout out with joy but I guess most (except here) wouldn't think that was much of an achievement.

Regardless, it made me smile 😀

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

Yeah!!!!! You go erash 🏆 Do you have to reach up high when you do that?

J 🌠

[erash in reply to Jesmcd2]

Nah. Jesmcd2 my hands were in prayer in front of my chest (and I was praying

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

I would be to!!!! 😄😄 Awesome erash

[WAshingtongirl in reply to erash]

You do tai chi, erash ? I asked my PT about yoga. She felt my balance wasn't good enough for it, but she did recommend tai chi. Sadly, I haven't been able to find any classes near me.

[erash in reply to WAshingtongirl]

WAshingtongirl that seems strange to me...I'm in a gentle yoga class and the instructor provides cues for people of all abilities. My friend Daisy is 86 and does much of the class in a chair.

I love yoga and tolerate the tai chi because I know it helps my brain connect with my body. The tai chi instructor is only so-so. He performs the movements faster than typical tai chi.

I'm fortunate that both classes are free for 55 and older at our local community center.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to erash]

Wish we had that available here. 💕

[goatgal in reply to WAshingtongirl]

Tutu There are some wonderful tai chi sessions posted on nccih.nih.gov/video/taichid... The Optimal Living Workshop shared some of these with us participants. The movements were easy to follow and learn. They play through a computer but I suppose there are also DVDs available.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to goatgal]

thank you, goatgal ! I will check that out!!! 💕

[erash in reply to goatgal]

goatgal and WAshingtongirl on you tube too

[WAshingtongirl in reply to erash]

Thanks!!!💕

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to goatgal]

I'm checking it out also goatgal I hear good things about tai-chi and stretching. And l find I feel Sooo much better after l stretch!

Thank you!☺

J 🌠

[BillD999 in reply to WAshingtongirl]

WAshingtongirl , I am disappointed to hear that a PT discouraged you from doing yoga. Poor balance should not in any way prevent you from doing many yoga exercises and may in fact help you improve your balance. There are a great variety of positions you could do, as I do, lying or sitting on the floor and yoga is a type of exercise that can be done in a way that suits one's own comfort & ability. I don't think you need a class either, although it might be helpful. A book showing clear pics of positions & explaining technique could easily get you started.

Good luck!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hey l say plying catch is good for you anyway 💕

I don't have a medicine ball.😄

J 🌠

[Fancy1959 in reply to Jesmcd2]

Jessmcd2, it's Fancy1959. You don't have to play catch with a medicine ball any special type of ball at all. Just get one that is comfortable in your hands and fits your grip. As I have trouble with my left hand and feeling both my hands in general I had to make sure I use a ball I could easily grip. I wound up using one of my little dog miniature tennis balls in those things to do the best job. I can wrap my hands all the way around the tennis ball and have better control of it that way. Be prepared to drop it and run after it often. I guess that's all part of helping with the balance not thinking about balance as you just grab the ball and then reached pick it back up.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Fancy1959]

Fancy1959 I guess all that Little League and and Softball Coaching comes in handy for me!! 😁⚾ Although l don't l could pitch a ball now to save my life!😄😄

J 🌠

[melack01]

I play darts with my husband on Tuesday. Initially it helps but by the 5th game I'm tired and hot and my balance is not very good.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to melack01]

Sounds like standing anywhere near you as the games progress could be pretty dangerous, melack01 ! 😬😂

[melack01 in reply to WAshingtongirl]

Just in front of me WAshingtongirl . It would be the same place not to be if I didn't have MS.

[BillD999]

erash , Thanks, excellent article. "focused rehabilitation could be effective in improving postural control and as a result enhance mobility and quality of life in individuals with MS.” - I think the lesson here is that if you want to keep moving, keep moving.

[Fancy1959]

BillD999, it's Fancy1959. The old adage that comes to my mind is that you need to use it or lose it. I find out officially true with MS and sometimes that is why I push myself too hard because I am afraid I am losing too much.😞

[Raingrrl in reply to Fancy1959]

Fancy1959 & erash Me too! I push myself all the time because I fear what I might lose if I don't. Its getting harder to do sometimes.

[erash]

Fancy1959 i have that same fear. I worry if I don't use it, my brain will forget and I will lose it. 🙁