interesting research oppurtunity...

[michelleric]

I recently received a letter from one of the research docs at the Mellon Center. It basically said I was identified as a potential candidate for a research study on walking and music.

My MS neuro must have given my name to them.  Anyway, it is a pilot study is to see if walking is improved with rhythm beats to music.  The criteria was a DX of MS and difficulty with walking. There is a long long clinical assessment the 1st visit that is 3 hours long.

It is a 6 week study that requires a visit once a week.  Then there is walking involved 20 minutes per day. You choose music that they have some type of exact beats and they put it on a MP3 player. There are measurements on a GaitRite system that they check every visit. (I am not sure what this is exactly.)

I have never been involved in anything like this. What do you all think?

(you are compensated 20 every visit, and at the end, get to keep the MP3 player)

Interesting huh?

Michelle

I do believe this type of research has been used in Parkinson's as well, and possible other neurological disease also.

[Sparkysarah]

This sounds worth a try to me as long as you have the time. It is not invasive and you will be carefully mnonitored and screened which can only be a good thing (speaking as someone on a drug trial!).

I shall be really interested to hear how  you get on and would suggest that you keep a journal so others can see what is involved.

Good luck

love Sarah x

[twopack]

This reminds me of the patterning done with brain damaged children.  I'm not sure it's still done, but it was a successful treatment years ago.  It took a huge commitment from large numbers of people though.  During each session, five people were needed (one at the head and at each extremity).  They moved the child's limbs and head in rhythmic patterns that mimicked crawling movements.  If I remember right, it was done at least once a day and perhaps more than that.

I wonder if they are building on neuroplasticity concepts with this or does it have to do with muscle memory too?  I'm betting it helps, Michelle.  When I was walking on a regular basis, I was never able to increase my distance or speed but I did find if I got going in a rhythm I felt like something else took over the the legs just kept repeating the motion.

If you have the time and it's something you would enjoy doing, I too say go for it.  Make the time!  It's something you can do for you.  When does it begin?  Do you have a winter place to walk or do they provide a place?  This could work in well this your MS neuro's instructions too (I think you'll know which one I mean).

Be sure to report back to us along the way if you sign on.  It sounds interesting.
Mary

[Audrey_M]

I say go for it!

My dad is a retired analytical research chemist, so I learned a lot about clinical trials from him. This isn't even a clinical trial, it is a research study, so it carries a lot less risk with it. Before you are even accepted into the study, they will carefully screen you (as you mentioned with the 3 hour assessment).

If you are a viable candidate and can get potential benefits out of it (improved health and an Mp3 player), please do it, keeping in mind this is not just for you, it is for the advancement of medical science. Your participation in this study could do so much for others down the road.

And you get paid on top of this!!!

Cheering you on,

Audrey

[Guitar_grrrl]

Music is sooo good for soooo many things, including physical therapy.  I'm so curious as to the materials/methods, how you do, any improvement in gait, etc.

Good Luck!

[Lulu54]

Funny you mention this because I just read a summer issue of Neurology Now - s type of progra(mAY/June with Cindy McCain on the cover) and was fascinated by the story on Treadmill training for gait problems.  It really makes sense and I would love to do this type of study.  

Actually I was telling DH that I want to get back on the treadmill and test out the concept they spell out in the article.  They also mentioned walking to music to improve gait.  And speed was not as important as just doing the walking at whatever pace you are comfortable with.

And the bonus to this walking is it improves cognitive function.

It is a win-win situation and you get paid and an Mp3 player?  Go for it!!  

best, L

[michelleislay]

wow!  so interesting.  and a free mp3 player plus the cash makes it all the more appealing.

do you struggle with distances?  my only hesitation, were it me, would be if i was worried i'd be knackered by the days end and need to recover from it--otherwise, it sounds great!  i say, go for it!!

xo michelle