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02-14-2012, 01:04 PM | #1 | ||
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Unfortunately, for the cycling to work, the patient needs to go for at least 40 minutes at 60-80 rpm three times per week. Add 10 min of warmup and cooldown. Keep the heart rate at 60-80 of maximum heart rate (220-age). Most people have to build up to that, but it is possible. In addition to cycling and meds (6mg ReQuip XL/day) another PD patient taught me to use a form of self-hypnosis to control the tremor. I was dubious, but found that by being still and saying "Quiet hand" on breathing in and "Peace" on breathing out my tremor usually stops, especially when I'm trying to go to sleep and I keep patting myself!
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02-15-2012, 05:43 AM | #2 | ||
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I don't know if we're imagining it, but since giving up the bike four days ago, his arm tremors seem to have improved slightly. Having said that, from all that I've read, I do think it's important that he goes back to the cycling and tries to reach the goal you've described, albeit possibly in the distant future. |
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02-15-2012, 08:03 AM | #3 | ||
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As far as I understand it, the Alberts's approach to forced exercise depends on the cadence (rpm) more than the effort. So, you could pedal slowly in a high gear, or pedal quickly in a low gear with both methods requiring the same amount of work and both getting to the same speed. But, as far as PD is concerned there is some evidence that the high cadence approach is better.
I have no experience of forced exercise cycling, but last year I built a machine to give me forced exercise of the arms. My stiffness reduced. But, interestingly, like Mr Budgies my tremor worsened. I don't know whether there was a causal relationship. Has Mr Budgies tried the simple tremor reduction technique described in a recent thread? It helps me slightly. John
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Born 1955. Diagnosed PD 2005. Meds 2010-Nov 2016: Stalevo(75 mg) x 4, ropinirole xl 16 mg, rasagiline 1 mg Current meds: Stalevo(75 mg) x 5, ropinirole xl 8 mg, rasagiline 1 mg |
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02-15-2012, 09:58 AM | #4 | ||
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Whilst I understand the need to reach 60-80 rpm in order to make any real difference to the PD symptoms, I'm still thinking that if he poodles along at his own pace, on a daily basis, this has got to be good for him? I did see the tremor reduction technique detailed here in a recent thread (which I now can't find), but as it said the relief only last seconds, I didn't mention it to my husband, (who is also called John). Having said that, I'm very pleased to hear it works for you, albeit in a small way. We're in the UK too - are you anywhere near Devon by any chance? |
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02-15-2012, 09:59 AM | #5 | ||
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02-15-2012, 12:57 PM | #6 | ||
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Distant future is fine. Where ever you are is a good place to start. If he can keep adding a few seconds or minutes each day or week, he'll get there, even it takes a long time. Worst case scenario is he gets more fit. I have no idea if his worsening tremors could be related to cycling/not cycling.
When I cycle inside, I both watch TV and listen to music so there is always a beat. Oddly enough (for a 66 year old woman) I can pedal most rapidly when I'm watching sports. Go figure. Inspiring story: I met a guy last year who could barely walk. At age 81, he was over the limit for PFP but he begged to get in the program and his doctor finally said okay. I saw him again last week and he walked over to me, albeit slowly, and announced with a big grin that he had gone skiing the week before. Not far, no moguls, but he had gone skiing! |
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02-16-2012, 05:54 AM | #7 | ||
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After having said his arm tremors seem to have lessened since not cycling, last night they were bad again, so that's knocked that theory on the head! As you say, the cycling must really do him nothing but good, so fingers crossed he'll keep at it. When we see the neurologist at the end of April, I really don't want him to suggest an increase in medication to try and cope with the increased arm tremors, as from what I've heard the side-effects of increased meds are far worse thant the tremors themselves. Would appreciate any further input from anyone please. |
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02-18-2012, 02:24 PM | #8 | ||
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I try to bike every day, but am nowhere near the recommended pace or amount of time. I keep plugging away anyhow. I use an stationary recumbent bike (best with Ska reggae type music from free Pandora internet radio!), but am having difficulty maintaining speed due to sciatic pain in hip, plus a tendency to get winded quickly and lose energy. My tremor does sometimes worsen while biking fast, but goes away when I stop. I figure it's worth it, because some exercise should be good for general health reasons, even if not enough to be effective for possibly controlling PD symptoms or progression.
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11-21-2012, 01:21 PM | #9 | ||
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11-21-2012, 08:28 PM | #10 | ||
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I only use it to get a good night's sleep (when my tremor disappears). Haven't tried taking it during the day for fear of falling asleep with my face in my food.
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