Percy Hedley Foundation

Conductive Education for Adults with Parkinson's Disease

A new service innovation in the North East of England

This new service is being developed in consultation with the National Institute for Conductive Education, Birmingham, as part of an on-going research project.

The initial trial will consist of an introductory consultation, followed by intensive sessions and regular follow-up.

What is Conductive Education?

Conductive Education is a rehabilitation system which originated in Hungary in the 1950's. It is sometimes known as the Peto method after its founder Andreas Peto.

The system aims to teach adults and children with neurological disorders to overcome their difficulties and is based on active learning rather than passive treatment. It is delivered by trained practitioners known as conductors.

The approach has had a lot of publicity and interest surrounding the work done with children but fewer people are aware of the benefits for adults.

The Aims
Conductive Education does not propose to cure Parkinson's disease. It offers practical techniques designed to overcome everyday problems. The techniques are taught within structured sessions and may be adapted and used by the individual as appropriate to their own personal situations.

Common characteristic problems addressed during the sessions will include tremor, rigidity, freezing, lack of facial expression and speech difficulties. In addition more individual issues are considered including the effects and side effects of drugs.

The Programme
The programme will focus on all aspects of daily living and the movements required. Under the guidance and support of the conductors, participants will learn how to perform basic movements and then transfer these skills into their own daily life.

Tasks will vary in complexity and participants will be guided through by the conductor and helped to perform them in their chosen way.

Sessions are carried out in small groups, but individuals will have their own personal goals. The conductor will lead the whole group and ensure everyone is active and able to participate to the best of their ability. The group is a positive medium for learning and acts as a motivator for each individual.

Application to Everyday Activities
As Conductive Education focuses on active conscious learning, people with Parkinson's Disease can transfer techniques learnt in one situation to another. This enables them to perform new activities with security and increased confidence. The use of rhythm, awareness of body posture, breathing, fixation of limbs can all be applied in many situations. Some people may want help with specific techniques such as turning over in bed, writing, etc.

Apart from the improvements in movement control, mobility and communication those people who have participated in Conductive Educational sessions have reported an increase in confidence, motivation and general well being. This is extremely important to the participant and their family.

More information about Parkinson's Disease and Conductive Education can be found on the website for the National Institute for Conductive Education. http://www.nice.ac.uk.

If you would like to take part or if you would like more information, please contact:

Anne Coates, Superintendent Physiotherapist
The Percy Hedley Foundation
Hampeth Lodge,
Forest Hall,
Forest Hall,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8YY

Tel: (0191) 2665491
Email: a.coates@percyhedley.org.uk