Hi everyone,
I found this site while doing research on tandem stationary bikes.The wife and I saw this afternoon, a report on the national news about riding tandem stionary bikes and the affects on parkinsons disease.Let me give some back ground.My wife is 58 years old and has had parkinsons for over 20 years now.About 10 years ago she was one of the first in Texas to receive a ''deep brain stimulator'' in the left side of the brain.On the most part it has really helped her.We are always looking things to keep her active.At the present time she rides her stationary bike an hour each morning.She is no longer able to ride her regular bike.We are interested in buying a tandem staionary bike.I have looked on the internet but have not found any.Can anyone help us?
God Bless,
BWK58

Hi, BWK! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

What an interesting concept, I've never imagined such a contraption. Is the intention to help her along during weaker times?

Here's a link to our PD forum, feel free to join right in.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum34.html

I saw that same report! It is very interesting. Good luck to you and your wife. If I see a tandom I will pass the info along to you.

Hello BWK and welcome to NeuroTalk. I see, Cindy has given you some directions to our PD forum, so I hope you check us out here and make yourself comfy.

Sorry I can't help w/your bike question, but I'm glad you found us, as NT is a great place for info, advice and friendship.

Here is what the news cast about tandem bikes/parkinsons patients was about.Part of the study test the effect's of exercise on parkinson's symptoms.[stationary bike].Best results occur when one can pedal 80 rpm's for a period of time.Most cannot.When a tandem bike is used,this is called forced exercise.The idea behind it is if we force them to pedal at a higher rate,this rate will allow them to have biochemical changes that are necessary for improvements in motor functions.There's also a possibilty that there's an increase in dopamine or there's a possibilty that there's an increase in neuro growth factors.The benefits only last as long as the patient sticks to the exercise regime.Currently my wife rides a stationary bike for an hour each morning at 40 rpm's.If anything,it would increase her heart rate[and mine] and would make her even more active.My wife can no longer go for long walks or ride her bike.What I am considering is buying a tandem bike and having someone convert into a stationary bike.I will keep everyone abreast of my findings.

Hi BWK58 and welcome to NeuroTalk! Thanks for sharing the interesting news. I had not heard of this until you posted.

Glad you joined the group!