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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.

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