Twenty-seven years ago Barb Butler was involved in a car crash that left her in a coma for 21 days. She has been dealing with a traumatic brain injury ever since.<\/p>\n
I had to learn to walk [again], I had to learn to read, Butler said.<\/p>\n
In September, Butler joined the Enrich program at the University of Regina a relatively new program providing rehabilitation to those with Parkinsons disease and other neurological conditions.<\/p>\n
Enrich gives clients the chance to be active, through tasked-oriented movement activities. Things like reaching and grasping, handwriting, walking and stepping up and downstairs.<\/p>\n
In general day-to-day activities, I would often be afraid I was going to fall and now I dont even think about it anymore because my balance has improved that much, Butler said.<\/p>\n
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Cameron Mang is an assistant professor in Kinesiology and Health Studies at the U of R and the founder of Enrich.<\/p>\n
I definitely felt there was a need for this type of work here and I was really excited to see how interested the community was, Mang said.<\/p>\n
The results have been fascinating, he said.<\/p>\n
Weve seen improvements in walking functions and endurance, some strength improvements and some balance improvements, Mang explained.<\/p>\n
A lot of people just comment they feel the social interaction really helps them in their lives as well.<\/p>\n
The Enrich program began in the fall and has 11 members.<\/p>\n
Allan Johnson has been attending since it started. He was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease three years, but has been dealing with symptoms for about 20 years.<\/p>\n
My biggest accomplishment is I have been able to write or actually print legibly in block capitals for the first time in quite a few years, Johnson said.<\/p>\n
I have exercises stretching to do with my hands that allow me to build dexterity and get a little more control over them.<\/p>\n
Enrich runs twice a week at the U of Rs fitness centre. For more information visit their website.<\/p>\n
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2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.<\/p>\n
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Originally posted here: Twenty-seven years ago Barb Butler was involved in a car crash that left her in a coma for 21 days. She has been dealing with a traumatic brain injury ever since. I had to learn to walk [again], I had to learn to read, Butler said Continue reading
\nNeurological program at the U or R giving participants a new sense of hope - Global News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"