We all know karate is a martial arts discipline that is also a great form of exercise. But what about using it as a treatment for a debilitating disease?
One local hospital is taking an unusual approach to treating Parkinson’s disease.
Patients at Rush University Medical Center are kicking away the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by practicing Karate. It all started as part of a clinical trial to see if the kicks and movements of Karate could benefit Parkinson’s patients. It was a 10-week study in which the patients trained in Karate twice a week.
“We found a significant change in how often people were falling which is wonderful, that’s a huge predictor of problems and it’s a big risk factor in people with Parkinson’s,” said Dr. Jori Fleisher.