Drumming News :
A unique exercise class in Cranberry Township is helping people with Parkinson’s disease improve balance, mobility, speech, and mood — one drumbeat at a time.
Led by longtime physical therapist Dale Reckless at MRS Physical Therapy, the free “Drumfit for Parkinson’s” class uses upbeat music, rhythmic drumming, and movement to target both physical and cognitive symptoms of the disease. The class, funded by a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation, blends techniques from cardiovascular, senior, and rhythm-based fitness programs.
Participants range in age and experience, like 80-year-old Steve Parker, who’s already noticed better balance after just two classes. Others, like Anne Montgomery, diagnosed in 2011, say the class brings renewed energy and a fresh approach to managing symptoms.
“I call it the Reese’s Cup of exercise,” Reckless said. “Each component is good, but together, they’re even better.”
With music from artists like Mariah Carey and Alanis Morissette, participants drum, stretch, count out loud, and move to the beat — all of which target the motor and speech challenges common in Parkinson’s.
So far, Reckless has led nearly 100 sessions and logged over 600 individual class attendances. The program’s popularity has prompted him to increase frequency and begin collaborating with researchers to measure its full impact. Plans for a virtual version are also in the works.
“My goal,” Reckless said, “is to hit Parkinson’s from every angle — physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
Source HERE
Photo provided by Lucy Schaly/Post-Gazette
