Stationary Bikes & Parkinson's

Recent studies and observations by medical professionals show biking of all varieties, including stationary cycling, carries benefits for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. From Iowa to the Netherlands, doctors and Parkinson's patients note a relief of the shaking symptoms and greater control of motor skills during and after stationary cycling and outdoor riding.

How it Started

One of the first documented benefits of cycling for Parkinson's disease patients actually occurred during a long-distance tandem bike ride, not on a stationary bicycle. Neuroscientist Jay Alberts observed the possible positive impact of cycling on Parkinson's patients while on a 50-mile tandem bike ride with a fellow neurologist suffering from the disease. Following the ride, the fellow doctor noticed improved handwriting and mitigated hand shaking from the normal Parkinson's tremors, according to ABC's "Good Morning America." The experience prompted further study by Alberts.

Benefits Following Testing

Subsequent tests involving Parkinson's patients using motorized stationary bikes showed what appeared to be further benefits of cycling for those suffering from the diseases, according to Therapy-Cycle.com. Research Alberts presented in 2009 revealed Parkinson's patients forced to pedal at the brisk rate of between 80 and 90 rotations per minute --- three days per week and for 40 minutes per session --- exhibited a 35 percent improvement in motor function, or coordinated movement. Alberts research also concluded the brain scans of Parkinson's patients showed they responded similarly to exercise as they did to medications prescribed to mitigate Parkinson's symptoms.

Other Expert Insight

Alberts isn't alone in his observations of cycling benefits for Parkinson's patients. A doctor in the Netherlands, Dr. Bastiaan Bloem, noted that one of his patients could barely walk because of the shaking associated with Parkinson's Disease, according to PRI's The World. However, the patient could cycle 10 to 20 miles at a session without any difficulty. During his interview with The World, Bloom hypothesized cycling may be controlled by a different part of the brain than walking, thus making it more possible for Parkinson's patients. But Bloom, of Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, also noted pressure on the patient's feet from the bike pedals possibly helped balance out the use of his legs.

Significance of Exercise

The Center for Neurologic Study indicates muscle tone and function is key to treating the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Beyond any other benefits, stationary cycling helps accomplish this. Certain exercises maintain muscle strength and stave off limb and spine deformities in some Parkinson's patients, according to the Center.

Riding for Research

In addition to the possible benefits of cycling for patients with Parkinson's, a number of hospitals and other organizations sponsor charity bike rides to benefit research efforts for the disease. The Seattle-based Northwest Parkinson's Foundation reports some people suffering from the disease use charity bike rides to raise money while also reaping the therapeutic benefits of cycling.