PEDALING
History of Parkinson's and Pedaling
A study was conducted in 2003 by Dr. Jay Alberts, a neuroscientist at the Cleveland Clinic. The program started after he noticed improvements in Parkinson’s symptoms while riding a tandem bike with a person with Parkinson’s during the RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). His research later confirmed that forced-exercise cycling at a higher cadence (80-90 RPM) could significantly reduce symptoms.
-Cleveland Clinic
Article
As of 2024-
“A $3 million National Institutes of Health award is supporting Cleveland Clinic researchers in advancing their investigations into the use of aerobic exercise to slow the progression of symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The new five-year trial – The Interplay Between Genetics and Aerobic Exercise to Slow Parkinson’s Disease (GEARS) – is led by Jay Alberts, PhD and others, will build on his previous research…”
-Cleveland Clinic
Parkinson’s Trial on Exercise and Genetics Interplay
How does Pedaling help?
Benefits of Pedaling for People with Parkinson’s:
- Reduces Bradykinesia
- Enhances Neuroplasticity
- Decreases Rigidity
- Reduces Tremors
- Boosts Cardio Health
- Increases Dopamine Production
- Enhances Mood
- Improves Gait and Walking Ability
- Creates Community
- Safe Exercise Option
- Improves Quality of Life
Shall we go on??
What is "Pedaling for Parkinson's"?
“Pedaling for Parkinson’s” was ultimately founded in 2003 by Dr. Jay Alberts, when he began a community based trial at local YMCAs.
“A total of 200 individuals with PD were enrolled in stationary-bike pedaling programs at six community-based exercise locations in Northeast Ohio and through the University of Utah and Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City. Participants exercise at 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve and strive to pedal at 75 RPMs. They exercised three times a week for 12 months.
“We’ve already established ‘Pedaling for Parkinson’s’ programs at more than 125 YMCAs across America,” says Dr. Alberts. “Positive results from this project will provide a roadmap for these centers to deliver a standardized and optimal exercise intervention to best serve the patients at these facilities.”
The impact could be profound, especially for those who live far from large medical centers or facilities tailored for Parkinson’s patients.”
GET YOUR PEDAL ON!
Where to find classes:
Bellingham
Whatcom Family YMCA
Tammy Bennett tbennett@whatcomymca.org
360-255-0490
Monday, Weds, Friday
9:30-10:45am
Included in Y membership
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Marysville
Marysville Family YMCA
Al Taitingfong
Mon, Weds, Fri with Al
11:00-12:00pm
Marysville YMCA website
No registration needed
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Mill Creek
Mill Creek Family YMCA
Nikki Gale (NWPF Board Member!)
Mondays, Weds with Nikki
9:30-10:30am
Fridays (Self-Led)
Mill Creek YMCA website
No registration needed
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Tacoma
Morgan Family YMCA
Melissa Wilson
mwilson@ymcapkc.org
253-564-9622
Monday, Weds, Friday
11:30-12:30pm
Contact us if you want your Pedaling Program listed.
Contact us if you want your Pedaling Program listed.
Contact us if you want your Pedaling Program listed.