Parkinson's Disease affects more than a million people in our country. It's a degenerative nerve disease caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The disease makes it difficult for patients to move parts of their body, causing tremors, difficulty writing and speaking, and muscle-freezing. Although patients can take medications for symptoms, there is no cure. However, bicycle riding may help som patients enjoy relief from symptoms.
The Breakthrough
A doctor at the Cleveland Clinic found that Parkinson's patients can reduce their tremors by riding a bicycle built for two, also called a tandem. Dr. Jay Alberts discovered that forcing patients to ride the bike at 80-90 rpms with a trainer keeping the pace improves their symptoms by as much as 35 percent. Patients who benefit are those who pedal for an hour at a time, a few times a week, for eight weeks. Symptoms return in patients who stop cycling.
How It Works
The tandem bike therapy forces patients to pedal faster than they would be able to pedal on their own. This challenges the body and the brain. Researchers believe this may release dopamine and activate the part of the brain that controls body movements, which may explain the improvement in symptoms. The dopamine rush may also stimulate nerve growth.
More Proof
Another doctor found that some patients do well riding bikes on their own. Dr. Bastiaan Bloem discovered some Parkinson's patients who are unable to walk are actually able to ride a bicycle for 10 to 20 miles at a time without any problems, even symptom-free. He has found at least 20 patients who have been able to do this. Bloem believes this may be because another part of the brain controls the functions necessary for bike riding. He also believes it may be linked to the pressure required for the rhythmic pushing of pedals.
Don't Try This At Home
Both doctors hope that exercising Parkinson's patients on bicycles will help continue to suppress or improve the symptoms of the disease and possibly even slow the progression of the disease. However, more study is needed. Although the doctors recommend the cycling for some of their patients, they warn that it needs to be done in a very safe environment. Dr Bloom suggests a tricycle for those who wish to cycle on their own, or even a stationary bike. In 2011, Dr. Alberts was investigating to see whether motorized stationary bicycles help patients in forced exercising.
