Abstract
Bellumori, M., Uygur, M., Knight, C.A. University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Bradykinesia is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that substantially decreases mobility while contributing to increased rates of disability and health care costs. Bicycling exercise is a promising strategy that could improve mobility in PD. Purpose: To determine the effects of a six week exercise intervention that uses high speed- low-resistance (HS-LR) stationary recumbent cycling in people with PD. Methods: Pre-exercise tests assessed level of PD severity, physical function, and perceived health. These were again performed following a supervised, 6-week (12 sessions), HS-LR program. Results: Eleven participants (age 62.7 (8.8) years; disease duration 41.5 (32.6) months) completed this study and had positive results (see Table below). HS-LR training positively affected the disease severity and the tasks that relate to walking, balance, cognition, and dexterity.Conclusion: High-speed recumbent bicycling is a successful strategy to improve mobility, function, and independence in people with PD that can be completed within a clinical setting or the comfort of one’s home.
Supported by a grant from NIGMS (8 P20 GM103446-13) at NIH.
Recommended Citation
Bellumori, M.; Uygur, M.; and Knight, C.A.
(2014)
"Effects of a High Speed-Low-Resistance Bicycling Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 9:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol9/iss2/4