Patients are always interested in finding self-help approaches to treat their disease symptoms and progression.Β A recent fascinating article suggests that riding a bike is actually beneficial to patients suffering from Parkinsonβs Disease (PD).
PD is a progressive loss of dopamine containing cells in certain areas of the brain which results in decreased motor control, slowed movement, gait imbalance, altered posture, periods of freezing up (inability to move), tremor and cognitive impairment. Interestingly, many PD patients are able to ride a bike even though they are suffering from severe gait disturbances.
Physical therapy and overall physical activity have been shown to reduce both motor and cognitive symptoms in PD and are a standard recommendation in addition to standard pharmaceutical and surgical therapies. The benefits from routine exercise include increased strength, endurance, and balance. While there is no widespread belief that exercise replaces the need for medications or DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) or that it will halt disease progression, it can be considered a disease-modifying intervention by delaying progression, possibly through neuroprotective effects on the brain through enhancing neuroplasticity (development of new connections between the nerve cells in the brain).
It was over a decade ago that it was reported that PD patients with severe freezing of gait were able to ride a bicycle easily.Β The benefits go beyond improvement of motor and cognitive functioning to have positive effects on cardiovascular fitness, mood, sense of independence and measures of overall quality of life.
The study, a retrospective review of 202 references, of which 22 studies with 505 patients met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, the improvements in motor function and balance were more significant than the improvements in cognition, though there were clear improvement in cognitive measures as well.Β Longer-term biking regimens were more effective than short term biking. There were also indications of better coping mechanisms in daily life and self-rated overall quality of life. Notably, there was no observed correlation in the intensity of the cadence in biking and the symptom improvement.Β Β Further, no conclusion can be drawn about the influence of biking on freezing of gait. However patients report that one of the most disabling symptoms is a fear of falling, and, thus the improved balance achieved from biking could carry-over to other activities of daily living.
From this retrospective review of hundreds of studies, it is clear that bicycling can add meaningful improvement in the life of PD patients.Β BeCare Parkinsonβs can help you to track the changes in your neurologic function, your mental health and your quality of life.Β Be empowered.Β Be a driver in your own PD journey.