Overlook Studies Tai Chi's Effect on Parkinson's Patients

Elliot Sudler had his doubts about taking a tai chi class in an effort to help him improve his quality of life as a patient coping with Parkinson's Disease.

But after a few weeks in a class being put on by Overlook Hospital, offered for free at he said he is feeling less tired and moving around much easier.

"There's no question you come out feeling better," Sudler, who lives in Union, said. "It gives you a good feeling. Psychological you're lifted. That's the part I enjoy the most."

Roger Kurlan, Medical Director of the Movement Disorders Program at Overlook and the principal investigator for the study, will examine whether practicing tai chi improves mobility, reduces falls, and lessens depression among Parkinson's patients. The study is sponsored by the Grotta Fund for Senior Care of the Jewish Community Fund of Metro West NJ.

"I'm very grateful that they have this kind of a class," Sudler said. "I enjoy watching other people get into it."

Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain that create dopamine, which send signals that control movement, break down, according to a press release from Overlook about the study. Investigators for the study chose to use tai chi because the practice relies heavily on balance in movement, a common problem for patients with Parkinson's Disease

Warren McFall, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in March, said he also seen improvement in his ability to walk longer distances.

"Conventional medicine only takes you so far," he said. "This seemed to be a breath of fresh air."

For him, his goal after the 16-week course is to be more independent and less of a burden on his family.

"You're a lot more in control even though you may not realize it," McFall, a resident of Scotch Plains said even just after a few weeks of the class.

Keith Thomas, the instructor for the Wednesday afternoon class, said while yoga and pilates are also good to help increase agility, tai chi meets you at your level.

"Anything that causes communication between the mind, body and spirit is a good thing," Thomas said.

Check out our video of last week's class at right.