Petting a dog for just 10 minutes can result in a significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, according to findings by scientists at Washington State University. While this highlights a glimpse of the benefits that an animal can bring, it is just one of the reasons it makes sense to integrate a furry friend … Continued
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Our world is filled with rhythm and flow, from circadian, to the pulsing of blood pumping through our veins, the thrumming of cars and planes journeying people to who knows where, or the gentle lapping of the tidal waves. You see there is cadence in all aspects of living, so why do we occasionally feel … Continued
This blog is written using details from the latest Naidex Independent Living Survey, and represents an overview of the most interesting and pertinent feedback, with some clinical reflections. The links between engagement in meaningful activity and long-term wellbeing are well established, both for physical and mental health. We can all testify in recent years to … Continued
Rollators are designed to assist people who require additional support while walking, aiming to supplement their level of mobility to maintain or increase independence. However, there are rollators of inferior quality that pose risks to the users. It is therefore important for healthcare professionals to guide their patients towards good quality mobility aids. This article … Continued
The clinical evidence and content for this case study was collated, developed and written by The OT Service. This case study intends to use Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) Model of Practice to explore and reflect on an occupational therapy assessment, intervention and formulation of recommendations. PEOP developed by Law et al. is at top-down … Continued
A common symptom of Parkinson’s disease is a disruption of the walking pattern, also known as ‘freezing of gait’. With freezing of gait, the forward movement of a patient is blocked causing sudden imbalance, leading to an increased risk of falling. This freezing can occur when starting to walk, while making a turn, when walking … Continued
During the development process of the Rollz Motion Rhythm, it was researched which cue would be most beneficial for Parkinson’s patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the functions of the Rollz Motion Rhythm could contribute to an improved user experience and walking pattern for people with Parkinson’s. This was achieved by … Continued
Despite the advancing possibilities in the medical world, a cure for Parkinson’s has not yet been found. Treatment focuses on suppressing the symptoms through the application of dopamine or deep brain stimulation. Recent research has also shown the positive effects of exercise on both the symptoms and the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Beneficial effects of … Continued
A human brain can be subdivided into three parts, each responsible for another level of functioning: archi for basic consciousness and reflexes, paleo for automatic movements and emotions, and neo for cognition and learning new behaviors. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that affects the paleo-part of the brain, and thus the generation of automatic … Continued
Go back only a few decades and life was quite different from what it is today. Community was thought of in a much smaller, close-knit way. This generally included our immediate neighbourhood, family, good friends, work colleagues, shopkeepers and perhaps whoever popped a newspaper through the door each week. However with the fullness of time, … Continued
