by Adrian Williams

HILLINGDON is one of only a few boroughs that holds an exercise group for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s affects the brain and central nervous system, but the effects of it and other conditions can be mitigated with regular exercise. But few areas offer this support.

“Other professionals in the field say we’re very lucky to have this service in Hillingdon,” said Penny Smith, an instructor with Learning Moves, a company based in the borough which specialises in exercise therapy for those with reduced mobility and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS.

“Other areas start a programme but don’t follow it up.”

The Uxbridge group is held at Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex in Gatting Way on Mondays and Thursdays, with others held elsewhere in Hillingdon.

About 20 people attend the Thursday group each week, up from 12 since it started in 2011.

James Macaulay, a retired mechanical engineer from Ruislip, is a regular. “I have to exercise for an hour each day – this is better than doing it in my room,” he said.

Parkinson’s effects motor skills such as hand-eye co-ordination, and doctors recommend exercise as a way to gain back some balance and control.

Another member, Ken Pratt, explained: “Anything which you have to think about is best. Moving from side to side means you have to use your brain more.”

The group does cardiovascular and resistance exercises, including dance and the use of wrist weights. There is no certain knowledge about what kind of exercise is best for Parkinson’s but it is thought that ‘rhythmic’ exercise such as dance is effective.

Nordic walking is also gaining popularity. Already popular in Germany and France, it involves walking with a pair of walking sticks which pull the walker’s back into an upright position – important for people with Parkinson’s, who have problems with their neck and spine.

Marilyn Willis 61, from Hayes, worked as a secretary, and has been attending the group for two years.

“Things that other people do automatically we can’t,” she said. “Some days I wake up and my body is rigid.”

Mr Macaulay described a common problem. “In pubs, you knock into people and spill their drinks,” he said. “People assume you’re drunk.

“Yes, that can be quite embarrassing,” Mrs Willis added. “My husband calmly follows me around, cleaning up after me.”

Robert Maynard, 78, of Oakfield Close, Ruislip, talked about his difficulty getting credit cards out of his wallet. “You feel quite vulnerable,” he said. “The class improves your mobility and it gives you independence.

“But some days, it’s like your feet are stuck to the floor.”

Ms Smith noted that everyone in the group had improved together since joining, and it was not just the exercise they found useful – they also compare notes on their progress and medication.

People with Parkinson’s must often take a lot of medicine. Mr Macaulay takes 15 pills a day.

It took Mr Pratt a while to come to terms with his Parkinsons. “When I first got diagnosed, I thought I could deal with everything myself,” he said. “I thought of it like a cold that would go away.”

The exercise class for people with Parkinson’s takes place in the track room at Hillingdon Athletics Stadium, part of the sports and leisure complex, on Mondays from 10.45 to 11.45am and on Thursdays from 11am to noon.

Those wishing to join should contact Penny Smith on 01895 420 409 or 07771 872 592, or email learningmoves@hotmail.co.uk.