“So, you have to get them to do exercises, where they have to perform two or more tasks simultaneously. This trains their brains, because this type of thing isn’t easy for these people, you know. It’s nothing to worry about, but you do have to know how to deal with them. You’ll also start to notice that they tend to respond more slowly to what you ask of them. So, you have to tell them twice. Which is good to be aware of.
You have to challenge them by the way, because they need it. You’ll sometimes notice that they’re a bit…what’s that word again? Apathetic? Yeah. Apathetic. So, you have to motivate them. I get them to play a game during the training session, for example. They like that. I personally think that there’s a big difference between them. That, believe it or not, they’re actually all very different. I mean, they all have the same problem, but there really is a difference in ability. Yeah, it’s great that I get the opportunity to come and watch them. That way, I can observe the effects that the training sessions have on them. I reckon that some are more capable than others, that they could handle a little bit more. Maybe we should put them in another group? What do you think? Of course, it’s also good to mix things up a bit. That way they can help each other. Do you get them do cognitive exercises too? I get the feeling that they respond particularly well to those. You shouldn’t make it too difficult, obviously. You need to keep in mind that they’re not the same as us. Yeah, I really enjoy working with them, it gives me so much satisfaction. It’s completely different from a normal training session. With normal training, you can leave people to their own devices. Really let people go for it. Without having to worry that someone might fall or something. No, seriously, I’ve taken a personal interest in this. I’ve really read up on it. I find it fascinating, in fact. And I love doing this for them. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Especially when you see just how much they enjoy it. Which is what it’s all about”.
What did you think when you read this? Honestly?
- This is a conversation between therapists who provide some sort of training to people with Parkinson’s.
- This is a conversation between scientists, about their test subjects.
- This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. That’s no way to talk about athletes.