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PORTLAND, Ore. - Movements in Pilates exercises are controlled - sometimes moving the body only inches - but those small motions are making a big difference to some people with Parkinson's disease.

Pilates instructor Bettina Blank, 57, demonstrates a move as Greg Moore, 59, right, looks on, during a Pilates class at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, in Portland, Ore. The movements in Pilates are controlled sometimes moving the body only inches. But those small motions are making a big difference to some people with Parkinson's disease. [AP]

No research has been done to prove Pilates' effectiveness in reducing Parkinson's symptoms, but a growing number of patients say they are finding some relief.

"I love it, it's great," said Karen Smith, 62. "It exercises muscles that otherwise don't get exercised."

Parkinson's, a degenerative disorder, inhibits a person's ability to control movement. Its most common symptoms include tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity and poor balance.

Smith is part of a group that meets twice a week at the Parkinson Center of the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. The center held a Pilates pilot program earlier this year, and after it found improvement in the participants' rigidity and balance it launched a twice-weekly class open to the public.

The center already has a waiting list for its next round of classes.

A few Pilates instructors elsewhere around the country also are offering classes specifically for people with the disease.

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