schild.m wrote:
> Clinic research study suggests biking may help treat Parkinson's Disease
>
> Patients had 35% improvement in symptoms.
> By Ted Klopp, Newsradio WTAM 1100
> Wednesday, July 16, 2008
> Cleveland Clilnic Research Dr. Jay Alberts talks with Newsradio WTAM 1100's 
> Ted Klopp.
>
> (Cleveland) - A researcher at the Cleveland Clinic has discovered what appears 
> to be strong evidence that tandem bike riding with a Parkinson’s patient can 
> reduce the patient’s tremors. Dr. Jay Alberts first got the idea when he 
> shared a tandem bike on a ride to raise awareness for the disease.
>
> The patient noted how much better she felt – so Dr. Alberts did some research. 
> He had one group of patient’s pedal on their own at 60-80% of their target 
> heart rate zone, while the other pedaled on a tandem bike with a trainer who 
> was responsible for keeping the bike between 80-90 RPMs.
>
>
>
>
> The forced exercise on the tandem bikes was faster than what the patients 
> would do on their own – and Dr. Alberts found that tremors and other symptoms 
> improved by about 35% after eight weeks of pedaling for an hour a day, three 
> days a week. The study also noted that the improvement slowly went away if 
> the patient didn’t continue this activity.
>
> Dr. Alberts is hoping to conduct clinical trials to see if this is a viable 
> treatment. He will also use a motorized bike to see if this works as well as 
> the tandem biking.
>
>
> http://www.wtam.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=&article=3959738
>
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>   
I have been pedaling on a recumbent bike for approx. 8 years.  for 20 
mins 2 times a week and 28 mins. 3-4 times a week.  I swear the 
treadmill  2 times a week for 20 mins. helps also.  This is all done 
with supervision and assistance. I started out 2-4 mins. 3 times a week 
at 1.2  MPH, 0 grade.  The schedule is followed. 

The excercise  is under the cardiologist .   It has nothing to do with 
CHF or heart attacks. I do not have that problem.

What were the ages and time of diagnosis of the subjects???



Some History
 
I have been a patient at CCF for almost  3 decades now.  I am 49 
yrs.old.  I use a rollator and reclining wheelchair, and a recliner with 
2 individual motors b/c of my systems.   Although my diagnosis is not of 
the cookie cutter nature, the strict exercise regime  appears  to be 
beneficial for me.  I have to have an aide with me all day. I would give 
anything to go back to becoming a speech pathologist with my autistic 
junior high kids, but it is not going to happen and that is acceptable. 
I am just dam happy to walk when I can.

Now that I got that out of the way let me go on about the importance of 
diet ( ooo the nasty word) and exercise (ooo another nasty word).  I 
have been going to a certain rehab program and exercise routine at a 
university fitness facility for many years. I have learned from a civil 
engineer at Case Western Reserve University about weight bearing, force, 
mass, ect.  on a body.  I saw on a commercial for every 1 pound of 
overweight a person puts about 4 lbs of force (?).  My food choices were 
modified with the help of a CARDIO dietitian and gastro doc.  I have to 
have alot of salt, low fat, higher protein (plain yogurt seems great), 
and Gatorade and water.  I can not eat 3 meals at all.  Certain types of 
food 'chains', as my husband states, just don't digest well.  I get REAL 
tired and weak. I stated this to illustrate how a diet can not just be 
given with a  xerox machine approach.

During the past 28 years I got quiet  ill at one point (syncope, 
impaction, ect.).  I will never forget the start of that episode. Up to 
that point it seemed like it was just a bunch of symptoms and the 
typical health treatment that many young people go through.  My 
diagnosis is "complicated" I get told, so I just go with it. When the 
doctor leaves the institution I go to the new physician and try to 
explain what 'the problem' is and they help the best they can just like 
most people go through.  When I get sick I hate when I get asked 'when 
is the last time you saw the neurologist or cardiologist?'  Like what 
are they going to do? cure me?  The individual docs that I have had in 
the specialty departments have been excellent.  Unfortunately the docs 
that I saw 30 years ago are now only seeing CEO's  and other executives 
at  CCF.  Blame the insurance companies if u feel the need to blame 
someone. Cleveland is fortunate to have Case Western Reserve University 
hospitals and CCF.

When I got really ill one time, the previous neuro, rehab chair, and 
present cardiologist/syncope physician worked together.  I went through 
intensive acute rehab, followed by out patient rehab, diet changes, and 
excersise program at a gym with assistance. It is NOT easy at all.  I 
just didn't hop onto a bike and pedal. If I remember correctly, I walked 
on the treadmill, holding onto the rails, a chair next to me (still is), 
my Gatorade, aide, some kind of small heart monitor thing, class nurse, 
EPs, and aide. I walked at 1.2 approx., 0 grade for a very few minutes 
and then sat with my leg elevated, drank the Gatorade (16 ounces approx.). 

Presently, I pedal on the recumbent bike and the treadmill 2 times a 
week and do alternative muscle groups on M,W,F.  Saturday I do the 
recumbent bike and walk for about 15 mins at the grocery store. At first 
the idiots at the grocery store thought I was lost b/c I would walk up 
and down the aisles. I then responded to the "she" question to my 
husband and then they understood.  The digestive problems are still 
present but way better as long as I follow the regimen. 

I can not do what is prescribed without the aid.  I basically do my 
exercises, drink Gatorade, type, nap, and walk daily indoors.  I get 
taken on trips to help me mentality.  When I go anywhere, there must be 
a recumbent. bike, treadmill, Gatorade, and AC.  I have experience too 
many trips without the learned essentials for 'only 2 weeks' in the 
distant past.  

later
nancy m
unedited  

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