In an article entitled "Management of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease" (Physical Therapy, vol.69 # 11, 944-954) published way back in November, 1989, the authors deal with the positive effects of exercise on PD'ers. The main thesis of the article is that early intervention and a specific program designed by a physical therapist will minimize and delay the musculoskeletal limitations and deformity of PD. Physical therapists can evaluate patients and design exercises for specific impairments. Perhaps of some interest to those on the List who have recently been discussing Feldenkrais is the article's emphasis on using relaxation techniques and relaxation exercises (not described) in reducing rigidity. "Relaxation is used first to reduce rigidity and to increase flexibility. From a kinesiological perspective, it is equally important to relax the axial muscalature and the limb musculature. From our clinical experience, we suggest the use of slow, rhythmic rotational motions, beginning with very small ROMs, as an effective means of achieving relaxation, particulalrly of the axial musculature. This approach is based on the concepts of Feldenkrais. ... it appears that most normal movement requires rotation throughout the spine. Thus, when performing relaxation techniques, it is important to differentiate between segements of the body so that all segements are individually relaxed ... . The exercise techniques proposed by Feldenkrais are specifically designed to relax specific segements of the spine." From what this article says and in concurrence with what has been frequently written here on the List exercise is important! We PD'ers can EXERCISE some control over our disease whether we use Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, tread-milling, muscle stretching or whatever. +--------------------------------------------------+ | Sid Roberts [log in to unmask] | | Youngstown State History Department | | University Youngstown, OH 44555 | +--------------------------------------------------+