Ever wonder what is the connection between rock climbing and Parkinson's disease? Molly Donelan, Director of Programs and Events at Sportrock Climbing Centers with two locations just outside of Washington, DC, gives us in-depth insight into this sport's benefits and challenges for the YOPD population. Molly's enthusiasm and dedication to climbing has taken her to the mountains and cliffs of Mallorca, Spain, Orco Valley, Italy, and Joshua Tree, California, just to name a few. Care partners, for us, indoor rock climbing may just be the way to not only motivate our person with Parkinson's to get moving and stay active but also to help around the house (win, win), as you'll hear in this episode. Molly and I share a few laughs along the way, so listen in to how rock climbing can make everyday movements easier for those afflicted by PD and the mental strength that it has given to so many people.
Learn more about Sportrock Climbing Centers:
Blog post on Parkinson's disease and climbing by Molly Donelan:
https://sportrock.com/parkinsons-and-adaptive-climbing-in-the-climbing-gym/
Article on benefits of high-intensity exercise on Parkinson's disease:
Schenkman M, Moore CG, Kohrt WM, et al. Effect of High-Intensity Treadmill Exercise on Motor Symptoms in Patients With De Novo Parkinson Disease: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2018;75(2):219–226. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.3517
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2664948
Article on physical activity's effect on depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease:
Wu PL, Lee M, Huang TT. Effectiveness of physical activity on patients with depression and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2017 Jul 27;12(7):e0181515. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181515. PMID: 28749970; PMCID: PMC5531507.