Dynamic High-Cadence Cycling Improves Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
 

Update on the forced cycling approach. Unfortunately, I can't post a link as I do not have enough posts under my belt on this site. Google "Dynamic High-Cadence Cycling Improves Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease" and it should be the first or second link. It is on the nih.gov site

Hi JoeK

This might be it - it looks interesting; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26388836.

The paper referred to by JoeK is at:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...MC4557094/#B23

Some time ago I built something similar. It force exercises your arms using two high torque, low speed drills. See:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread152834.html

John

Thank you, kiwi33 and Johnt. That is the study. It is encouraging because the sample size is larger than Jay Albert's study and was blinded with controls.

JoeK,

I cycle almost daily in my basement with an old bike up on a trainer. I set the resistance as low as it will go and try to maintain 80-90 rpms for 20-30 minutes. The circular motion and forced pedaling is the most important, not the resistance to build strength. Since I started this about 5 years ago (dx 2007, age 56) I have felt from day 1 that it has helped with my motor skills. I recommend people try it.

That's encouraging, at least for those who can do 80 rpm unassisted. The advanced patients won't be able to do that, which is where the tandem or a motorized bike would come in handy. Unfortunately, all the commercially available motorized stationary bikes don't go over 60 rpm

Did not mean to be unsympathetic to more advanced patients. I struggle sometimes with the bike when Sinemet doesn't kick in fully, but think the exercise is beneficial regardless of speed. As far as electric bikes, there was a Theracycle exercise bike, but I know very little about its effectiveness.

I wasn't at all implying that it was unsympathetic of you. I do that exercise is beneficial regardless of speed. But the forced cycling seems to have a benefit above and beyond regular exercise. The paper indicates that the benefit occurred in people at 75-85rpm, with variable cadence. That seems to trigger something in people's brains