Exploring Decisions to Undertake a Marathon and Adherence Challenges in a Novice Runner With Parkinson

Evidence endorses the benefits of more vigorous exercise for people with Parkinson’s, particularly following diagnosis, yet is not clear which style is optimal. The authors share perspectives and decisions made as a physiotherapist (assisted by a sports and exercise science student) and a novice runner with Parkinson’s in his late 50s, respectively. The exercise goal chosen by the runner (the case report participant) to minimize the degenerative effects of the progressive condition was to complete a marathon. Methods: This coauthored report evaluates the participant’s progress utilizing physical fitness assessment data plus reflections on his training regime and notes from training diaries for the year before and after the marathon. Results: The participant received nutritional advice for weight management as exercise increased and physiotherapy for injuries from mounting activity level on Parkinsonian muscle tone. Fitness and function improved or were maintained (leg power, flexibility, timed functional walking, and balance). Most, however, returned to baseline within 6 months following the marathon as training intensity dropped. Conclusions: Physical function can be improved or maintained in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions with correct exercise and nutritional advice. The participant’s choice of running was based on recommendations for condition maintenance and not enjoyment, so adherence and completion of the marathon goal required professional, family, and technological support

Comparison between Convex and Alliant mini-super systems

In dit rapport wordt verslag gedaan van werkbezoeken aan de leveranciers van Convex en van Alliant computers. Gedurende deze werkbezoeken werd getracht zogenaamde mini-super systemen te vergelijken, voor wat betreft gebruikersvriendelijkheid en prestatie, i.v.m. mogelijke aanschaf daarvan bij het RIVM. Enkele programma's, die het transport van verontreinigingen in het grondwater of door de lucht beschrijven, werden gedraaid om een indruk te krijgen hoe snel bij het RIVM ontwikkelde programmatuur op de beoogde computers te implementeren is en hoe snel deze programmatuur draait. Daarnaast werd een testsuite, ontwikkeld door professor H.A. van der Vorst (TUD), gedraaid waarbij 10 partiele differentiaalvergelijkingen elk met 10 verschillende methoden opgelost werden.RIV

Parkinson disease and comorbid cerebrovascular disease.

Contains fulltext : 81814.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)Optimal management of chronic diseases not only requires tackling of the primary disease processes, but also necessitates timely recognition and treatment of comorbid conditions. In this article, we illustrate this two-pronged approach for two common age-related disorders: Parkinson disease (PD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). We first discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms that could provide a link between PD and CVD. Patients with PD have a series of risk factors that could promote development of CVD, but also have several protective factors. We then review the available clinical, radiological and neuropathological evidence to support an association between these two conditions. We conclude by discussing the potential implications for clinical practice, highlighting how comorbid CVD could alter the clinical presentation of PD and reviewing the possibilities for prevention and secondary prophylaxis. Additional research will be needed to fully evaluate the prevalence and clinical relevance of comorbid CVD in PD. Pending further evidence, we recommend that cerebral neuroimaging should be considered if patients with initially uncomplicated PD develop-either acutely or chronically-prominent and/or treatment-resistant gait impairment, postural instability, depression, cognitive decline, or urinary incontinence. Finding comorbid CVD in such patients could have prognostic implications, and could necessitate treatment to arrest further progression of CVD