I'm sure there aren't too many people that don't know, or at least have heard of, Parkinson's disease. But, if I may be brief, here' s a very simplistic explanation... Parkinson's disease (PD) is a disease where the body's dopamine levels are compromised. For some reason, there is degeneration (or break down) of the substania nigra (which is within the basal ganglia of the brain, which in turn helps us to plan and execute movement) and it results in less dopamine release. Dopamine is a neurotranmitter that is essential for executing movement. This is why Parkinson's Disease has manifestations in movement dysfunction such as tremors, inability to initiate movement and trouble with walking.
The great thing about research is, they discover things that can help people with different issues. PD research is working hard on a cure, although there isn't one yet. And physical therapists are prime healthcare providers that may be requested to work with this patient population, either directly or indirectly when seeing a patient for another reason who may also have PD. Thus, it's important for us PTs to know about PD and what we can do to help it. Which, brings me to the main point of this journal entry- RAS and even more fun, a free, legal music source!
So, I've mentioned RAS, but I haven't explained it. RAS is using a fixed-tempo to assist those with PD (and maybe other diagnoses) to walk easier, more efficiently, and most important, safely. By giving these patients a beat to walk to, it helps to bypass the basal ganglia and use other parts of their brains to execute movement. I'm sure none of us are totally immune to a great beat, and research has shown that RAS can be really helpful in improving gait patterns.
So, that brings me to the website, steady130.
www.steady130.com (opens in new window) is an amaaaaazing music resource, not only potentially for patients but for yourself as well! It features remixes of current, as well as "older" music, set to specific beats. You can browse by speed, genre, artist, etc. and you're sure to find something perfect. I use this resource A LOT for my own workouts and also when I am teaching cycling classes. And, the best part is that this resource is completely FREE of use for listening online or downloading the tracks, and it is 100% legal.
So, I hope you find this source valuable, whether it is for physical therapy treatment or for your own personal use.
