Local groups offer unique programs for people fighting Parkinson's disease - Edmond, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

An Edmond boxing gym offers a program to help with muscle and brain coordination for those fighting Parkinson's disease.

Article text:

It's usually a metaphor when people talk about fighting a disease.

That's not the case, however, at Roughhouse Boxing & Fitness in Edmond. Stephanie Tolson teaches a boxing class geared toward people fighting Parkinson's disease.

"They're just looking for something to help them with their symptoms," Tolson said.

Parkinson's is a progressive neuromuscular disease in which nerve damage in the brain causes every muscle group to falter. Some of the symptoms include tremors, stiffness, difficulty speaking, walking and swallowing.

At Roughhouse Boxing & Fitness, Tolson teaches a specific program called Ready to Fight. The class is designed to keep Parkinson's symptoms at bay.

"Seeing the people that I have now, and seeing how far they've come in six months, is just one of the most rewarding things ever," Tolson said.

Richard Hatcher is one of those success stories.

"I don't want to be defined by the disease, you know? Everybody gets something. I got Parkinson's," Hatcher said.

He said boxing specifically helps his brain and muscles work together.

"When the instructor gives a sequence like 'jab, jab, cross hook, uppercut, jab, slip, cross hook, hook,' I've got to translate that into action very quickly," Hatcher said. "And that's what gets those neurons firing. Otherwise, they just fire on their own, and that's where the symptoms come up."

Physical therapist Samantha Klepper works with Parkinson's patients at Integris, which has a specific therapy and exercise program. She said it's all about maintaining a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Klepper also said there are other benefits.

"It's a great way to meet other people with Parkinson's, and it's designed by a physical therapist working with people with Parkinson's," she said.

But local options go beyond the weight room and the gym. Another program takes a much softer tone.

As far as Kathleen Redwine knows, the University of Oklahoma School of Dance is the only university offering a dance class for Parkinson's patients.

"It's great for brain things because you have to think, 'My right arm, my left arm, my body, my feeling, my emotion,'" Redwine said.

The class, which pairs patients with actual dance students, has been in development for almost two decades.

Freshmen Jessica and Darcy Lynn have a special reason to be in the class. Their grandfather, Bob Lynn, dances with them.

"It's easier than I thought it would be," Darcy Lynn said. "He really benefits from a lot of movement. He likes to get up and walk. He really likes to get around, and I think he really enjoys the classes."

"And I enjoy the hugs," Bob Lynn said.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 12/10/2019 Publication: KOCO News 5 Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Health/Medicine

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