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                                 RTK.NET Mail 192260   Aug  8 17:58:36 1996


Dear Jack, I am not sure if there's one answer to this since everyone is
different.  I do know that my friends with PD who does some weight work had
is doctor tell him not to exercise those muscles that are the most rigid.
Basically, I think movement and stretching tend to lengthen muscles, but
exercise that involves hard contraction of certain muscle groups could be
a problem with PD since there's a big problem getting the muscles to relax
again.  You didn't mention the specific symptoms you feel have worsened
since you began working with the exercise bike, but if the problem seems to
be greater rigidity in the quadriceps (upper thighs) or calves, you might
get better results if you reduce the tension (assuming your exercise bike
is adjustable) and pedal a little faster and/or longer.  This way you'd
still get the benefits of keeping moving without the risk of making yourself
stiffer in the process.

Of course, it could also be that it's not so much a problem with the exercise
bike, but that you're missing something from the exercises you used to do.
You might find some benefit to adding some light stretches and some arm
reaches to your workout.

Keeping active is important, and I hope you can find a program that works
well for you.A

Sherri

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