M.o.v.e. program in Lombard helps slow Parkinson’s progression

Lombard is now home to an innovative program designed to help people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease take control of their health and slow the progression of symptoms.

The program, called m.o.v.e. — which stands for Multimodal Overexaggerated Volitional Exercise — is a bootcamp-style early intervention exercise program created and supervised by clinicians specializing in Parkinson’s care.

Unlike other exercise classes, m.o.v.e. is built on the latest research, designed by speech, physical, and occupational therapists, and with a touch of social work, combines clinical expertise with a supportive, community-driven environment.

“Exercise is the number one patient-modifiable factor in slowing Parkinson’s progression,” said founder and president Erica Fenton, M.S., CCC-SLP. “But too often, there’s a significant gap between diagnosis and the start of evidence-based exercise. We designed m.o.v.e. to close that gap, harness neuroplasticity, and help people build lasting routines.”

M.o.v.e. hosted their first cohort in spring 2025, with participants reporting two key benefits: improvements in symptoms and the formation of an organic support network. Building on those early outcomes, the fall 2025 cohort will expand into a research study in partnership with North Central College. With institutional review board approval, the team will formally measure how m.o.v.e. impacts quality of life and improves Parkinson’s symptoms for participants.

The program also emphasizes community. Graduates of the first cohort will return as “m.o.v.e. Ambassadors,” helping to create a peer network so participants can stay connected after the sessions end. This ongoing support, organizers hope, can help buffer against the depression and anxiety that many people with Parkinson’s experience.

For its second session, m.o.v.e. has partnered with the village of Lombard to host classes at the Madison Meadow Athletic Center, a facility that organizers say demonstrates how easily the program can be replicated in existing community spaces.

The fall cohort will run from Oct. 14 through Nov. 14, with nine free 90-minute sessions held Tuesdays and Fridays at 3 p.m. Registration is open at fentonspeech.com/move.

Before the new cohort kicks off, residents can meet the team at two upcoming events:

• Lombard’s Senior Fair – Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., where Fenton will meet with prospective participants. The event is open to all seniors and will feature more than 70 vendors.

• Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Chicago – Oct. 5 at Lincoln Park. The m.o.v.e. team will take the main stage to lead a group warm-up before the fundraising walk.

M.o.v.e. is also active on social media, with updates and community stories on Instagram (@m.o.v.e_pd) and Facebook (@MOVE for Parkinson’s).

“By using a brain-to-toes approach and giving each other lot of high-fives,” Fenton said. “m.o.v.e. isn’t just about exercise — it’s about giving people the tools and support to keep moving forward.”