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Your Home for Parkinson's Disease Cycling Therapy Information and News.
Since tandem bicycling was not a practical option we decided to search the Internet for an alternative. We found some top end motorized stationary bicycles, but decided on a low priced motorized mini cycle for under $150 (including shipping). The mini cycle was high quality and portable, but the pedals only spun at 60 RPMs. Frank used the cycle almost daily for 15 minutes from December until July. Frank said he thought, "pedaling helped reduce the Parkinson’s symptoms, the exercise was great and probably slowed the disease progression."
After reading Dr. Alberts and Dr. Ridgel research and the various news articles concerning the importance of forced high RPM pedaling we again searched the Internet and found a low priced ($145) motorized mini cycle that turned 70+ RPMs. In August after a three week break (medical) from pedaling Frank started using the new cycle almost daily for 15 minutes.
The results have been impressive. He said, “My handwriting has improved dramatically and the shaking in my right hand and arm have disappeared.” He also feels that his cycling for 8 months has slowed the progression of the disease. This is not a controlled research study but forced exercise therapy, using a motorized mini cycle, appears to reduce some Parkinson's symptoms and probably slowed the disease progression.
Pedaling at high RPMs can be dangerous and may cause injury. Always check with your doctor before using any exercise equipment particularly motorized.
"My handwriting has improved dramatically and the shaking in my right hand and arm have disappeared."
Pedaling Motorized Cycle at High Cadence (100+ RPMs)
Cycle motor spins pedals at a max of 70+ RPMs.
Rider can spin pedals faster .
Pedaling at high RPMs can be dangerous
Frank pedals over 100 RPMs!
Frank, 90+ with Parkinson's disease, started using a motorized mini-cycle last November after watching the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams What Works on Parkinson's disease. The program included an interview with Dr. Jay Alberts, from the Cleveland Clinic, discussing how tandem bicycling (forced exercise) at high cadence (80-90) RPMs dramatically reduced the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
