Climbing as post-stroke therapy

Berlin - The grips and footholds of climbing can help patients recover more quickly from a stroke in which one side of the body has suffered paralysis.
Therapy based on climbing may also help multiple sclerosis sufferers retain control over their muscles, as climbing demands coordination of movement and concentration, Ute Repschlaeger of the association of German physiotherapists says.
Studies have provided evidence of positive effects, and neurologists believe that the exercises stimulate the brain to activate dormant cells and replace diseased cells. This kind of therapeutic climbing has little in common with the sport. The point is not to climb as high as possible, but to do the grips and footholds at a low level.//DPA