In previous Blogs I have written about the innovative exercise programs being used to combat the effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for patients at the Virginian Outpatient Rehabilitation in Fairfax Virginia

Programs like “LSVT Move Big (http://www.aussiemikejames.com/new-blog-1-1/2018/3/23/when-thinking-fitness-think-big-.) And Aussie Mike’s Boxing (http://www.aussiemikejames.com/new-blog-1-1/2018/5/21/knocking-out-parkinsons-at-the-virginian.)   Aim to improve the quality of movement, strength and endurance for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

A new addition to the rehab program at the Virginian was a project utilizing the traditional Maori Haka.  The Haka is an ancient war dance used by the Maori’s the Native people of New Zealand.  The Haka is used on the battlefields and also when groups come together to show pride and respect.  The Haka is a fierce display of tribe’s pride, strength and unity.  The movements used include violent foot stamping, facial expressions, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping accompanied by loud chanting. 

The driving force behind this project at the Virginian, Matt McKeon, speech Therapist and Parkinson care team lead for the rehabilitation department, says that “the Haka is being used to symbolize the patients and staff at the Virginian’s mutual respect for each other and unwavering commitment to combat the effects of Parkinson’s disease.”  

I sat down recently with Matt McKeon, to find out how this traditional New Zealand Maori ceremonial war dance is being used to fight Parkinson’s disease

Matt, first things first, why the Haka?

“When I saw the Native Maori Haka being performed I couldn’t help but be inspired by the spirit and energy shown as well as the respect for each other and their tribal elders.  The various large movements the foot stamping, facial expressions and loud, proud use of their voice is the epitome of what we want our Parkinson’s patients to do. More than just doing exercise though the Haka expresses emotions and I thought it would be really inspirational if these people with Parkinson’s could do this well to show the global community this is what Parkinson’s can be . That people with PD can move well, they can show expression and emotion and are more than the sometimes stereotypical image you see of people with PD.  This can only help others with PD to do more.”

Can you give us some more specifics about the Movements used in the Haka ?

“For this project we sought to learn the “Ka Mate Haka” by Te-Rauparaha, chief of the Ngati Tao Rangatira of New Zealand. This Haka in particular embodied a message that permeates the lives of many people, especially those living with progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. "Ka Mate" (Tis death or Will I die?) and "Ka Ora" ( Tis life or Will I live?) is recited in the first 2 lines. It allowed our clients with Parkinson's disease to embrace the battle that rages within and supported their desire to combat the disease with an intensity that many have never experienced all while supporting the function of muscle groups needed for movement, expression, and verbal communication.  

How did your patients with PD view the project and react to learning the Haka which is not easy ?

“They initially struggled to learn the movements but they come back every week with their sheets, ready to practice. But they persisted and knew that the underlying message was to show the mutual respect they have for their fellow patients and the therapists who have chosen to help them in their fight against PD. For those with Parkinson's, the expression to "live" was performed with such purpose that they described the experience as "transformative."

 Matt in the video you refer to Parkinson’s as a Bully.  Can you explain more about that please?

“Well when you see conditions like Parkinson’s it is like a bully.  It comes, doesn’t ask your permission, shoves you on the ground and takes your freedom to move and your voice away. And like a typical bully unless you stand up and fight back it’s not going away.  So by performing the Haka with respect to the Maori traditions in a loud voice, and aggressive stance we hopefully instill a quiet confidence into our patients that whatever life throws at them we can fight against it.”

Did you, the rehab staff and patients gain new insight into the Maori Culture and the Haka?

“Most definitely.  Our goal is to also to be respectful to the native Maori culture. We are putting ourselves out there not to be them or compare ourselves with them but with utmost respect and admiration for the ancient Maori chiefs in their spirit to fight against sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds.

So after weeks of practice under the expert guidance of a native Maori descendant of the Kawati tribe the rehab staff and Parkinson’s patients at the Virginian came together in true warrior spirit to produce the following video to symbolize their fight against Parkinson’s disease.

Kudos to Matt Mckeon and the staff and patients at the Virginian Outpatient Rehabilitation in Fairfax Virginia for their innovative approach in the battle to beat Parkinson’s disease !!

https://youtu.be/TbSA_kt-uqE