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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 > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > > > 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn