Aracelly Vargas

LEI4724
Activity: Imagination Jog
Source: Bittner S. (October, 2004)
Equipment: None
Activity Description: This activity is a basic exercise but works well for getting the group
excited for events to come and gets them physically warmed up. Jogging in place, the leader will
take the group through an imaginary trip. Use scenarios such as jogging through the jungle or
jogging to the store. This is a great activity because it can change anytime you do the exercise.
While the participants are jogging in place start calling out verbal cues to do a certain physical
activity. For example, while jogging the leader might say log, then the participants will pretend
to jump over a log. If the leader say duck, then the participants will pretend to duck as if there is
a branch. The leader can use any physical activity, just as long as they are using their
imagination to tie into a story. Other scenarios that can occur, is if the leader mentions bear, the
participants will speed up to try and get away from the bear. The only limit that you have is your
imagination. Have the group come up with their own scenarios, you will be surprised with what
ideas they will have.
Leadership Consideration: The treatment goal for individuals with Parkinsons Disease are
prioritized based on management of symptoms, involvement in life tasks specific to the
individual, and activities that promote health and optimize quality of life (Hanna & CroninGolomb, 2011). Recreational therapy addresses gross motor movement, maintenance of muscle
tone, range of motion, endurance, strength, and balance (Robertson & Long, 2008). Regular
engagement in exercise might hold the key to prevent brain degeneration in conditions such as
Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease.
Mishra and colleagues conducted a randomized control trial on the effect of exercise in
individuals undergoing active cancer treatment, looking at outcomes and health-related quality of
life. Finding suggest that exercise interventions resulted in improvements in health related
quality of life, physical functioning, role functioning, and social functioning. Finding also
indicated that moderate to vigorous exercise had greater effects compared to mild exercise. The
leader or therapist should first seek clearance from the treating physician along with specific
precautions and parameters because each patient exercise abilities and limitations may vary.
This activity could be modified to fit both Parkinsons and cancer by adding different
scenarios that will require more physical activities such as running and muscle strength (lifting
items).