Sponsored Projects and Initiatives
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What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating disease affecting approximately 20 million Americans (according to the 108th Congressional Report). There are potentially more than 48,000 peripheral neuropathy patients in the metro Baton Rouge area and more than 6,000 of them are older than 75. Peripheral neuropathy originates from the degeneration of peripheral nerves. The symptoms are specific to the individual but they usually include numbness, pain, and a burning sensation. For most people the symptoms are more pronounced at night. The development of peripheral neuropathy can lead to loss of balance, difficulty walking, and other functional disabilities.
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To request a copy of the Peripheral Neuropathy brochure, contact the Office of Public Affairs at abrous2@lsu.edu.
LSU PeripheralNeuropathy Studies |
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LSU Peripheral Neuropathy Studies was established for people with peripheral neuropathy. The program combines faculty research efforts along with education and community outreach. The program is fully staffed with exercise instructors and researchers with a variety of exercise equipment. |
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Treatment |
| There is currently no treatment for peripheral neuropathy, although there are several medications for neuropathic pain management. Peripheral neuropathy patients share some symptoms with patients with acute and chronic ischemia. Those symptoms include loss of sensation and fine motor control. Pilot data collected by LSU Peripheral Neuropathy Studies and research literature indicate that exercise and other interventions geared towards increasing balance and functional mobility may help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. |
Tai Chi |
The Intervention Study |
| LSU Peripheral Neuropathy Studies employs Yajun Zhuang, a Tai Chi master from Jiangsu Province in China, to conduct the Tai Chi exercise intervention. Zhuang brings 23 years of teaching experience to the study in addition to his cultural experiences from a country where Tai Chi has been practiced for centuries. “Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept. The practice of Tai Chi improves health, makes illness disappear, and relieves mental stress,” said Zhuang. |
Dr. Li Li and colleagues in the Department of Kinesiology have been conducting an intervention study since the summer of 2004. The project objectives are to identify interventions that can help in managing the disease, to investigate what interventions are more beneficial, and to help people with peripheral neuropathy manage their symptoms through continuous participation. Anyone with peripheral neuropathy who can walk around (even with assistance device, walking stick or walker) is welcome to participate the study. |
Faculty
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