After reading the immunology/vaccine theory of Gendelman at U Nebraska, I wonder if the symptom improvement is related to the anti-inflammatory benefit of exercise?

-I wonder if there are other key aspects to Dr. Albert's study especially in design of the bike. Nan mentioned that she think it easier to maintain 80-90 RPMs on an upright stationary; I'd agree there...I find it much easier to slack on a recumbent. Is the type of resistance important? There are a few types:

* Direct Tension - offers manual adjustment of resistance
* Fly wheels - similar to a regular bicycle peddling motion
* Air - resistance is achieved by peddling against the flow of air from a fan blade
* Magnetic Frictionless Resistance - the most sophisticated type of resistance, allows for more variation in level of workout

I'm thinking flywheel would be best as it is what it seems Dr. Jay first noted the difference on with PWP. Guessing that Magnetic Frictionless next best.

Am I splitting hairs on this? Looking at the Theracycle site makes it more confusing because they market a bike with movable handle bar for upper body workout and a person in a wheelchair --- I don't think this is what was used in the Cleveland Clinic studies?

My goal is to see that I can get to the force pace range for 30 minutes and
overcome foot dystonia. I would love to start cycling outside but won't do it for saftey issues- nothing like a foot cramp and a wipe out to ruin your day

i'm using a recumbent, no problem working up to 30 min at 70-80rpm. 80-90 takes a lot more concentration, not that much more effort. haven't reached that level yet but i'm assuming another month. sure a lot more "movement" than jogging. far less cardio at low resistence than jogging, that's what baffles me, why rpm's is the criteria rather than "work".

Conductor71,

I get foot dystonia while riding my recumbent trike outside, but I am able to ride through the pain & discomfort.

is the best, and with a fan and an IPOD connection.

p

Soccertese, you want to be sure to have your heart rate at 60-80% of your maximum rate. Maximum rate = 220 - your age. I get foot dystonia too, but I get a strong sense that everyone's is different and easier or harder to cope with. I just returned from 25 miles at 44 degrees and wind. My foot went south at about 12 miles, but I was paying too much attention to the headwind, chill factor and impending rain to let it slow me down. Maybe I speeded up just to get home! My dystonia can't be as bad as some of you endure.

thanks .........

Is Dystonia a usual feature of PD progression or does it only affect some people?

From what I understand and experience, dystonia is not uncommon in all stages of PD. For some (like me) it was an early calling card for PD, and I only experienced it in my foot during action like running or walking. I have had symptoms for a least seven years, and just this year, I have developed a little more dystonia that may extend to my lower right leg and happens when I wake up, butt not every morning.

My dystonia is less painful than it used to be but more unexpected. I had never thought of powering through while cycling. May give that a try too.

Laura

Laura, I bet that my foot dystonia is much less painful than yours - or many those who post here. So my biking with dystonia is a mild annoyance, not a major pain. I hope my initial comment didn't sound flip. Jean

I have created new thread for dystonia and PD