Riding towards relief: The Benefits of Indoor Cycling for Parkinson’s Disease Management

- ICI staff

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system, causing motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. It is a chronic and progressive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are several treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One of these treatments is indoor cycling.
Indoor cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that involves pedalling on a stationary bike. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and endurance, and weight loss. However, can it help with Parkinson's disease?

In a study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, researchers found that cycling can improve motor function, balance, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease. The study included 128 participants with Parkinson's disease who were randomly assigned to either a cycling group or a control group. Those in the cycling group participated in 30-minute cycling sessions three times a week for eight weeks. The results showed that the cycling group had significant improvements in motor function and balance compared to the control group.

Another study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that indoor cycling can also improve cognitive function in people with Parkinson's disease. The study included 35 participants with Parkinson's disease who were randomly assigned to either a cycling group or a stretching group. Those in the cycling group participated in 40-minute cycling sessions three times a week for eight weeks. The results showed that the cycling group had significant improvements in cognitive function, including attention, processing speed, and executive function, compared to the stretching group.

Indoor cycling may also help with the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. A study published in the Journal of Neural Transmission found that cycling can improve sleep quality in people with Parkinson's disease. The study included 25 participants with Parkinson's disease who participated in 30-minute cycling sessions three times a week for four weeks. The results showed that the participants had significant improvements in sleep quality compared to before the intervention.

Overall, indoor cycling can be a valuable therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. It can improve motor function, balance, cognitive function, and sleep quality, all of which can contribute to a better quality of life. While indoor cycling should not be used as a substitute for other treatments for Parkinson's disease, it can be used as a complementary therapy to improve symptoms and overall health.

In conclusion, the research supports the use of indoor cycling as a therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson's disease, consider incorporating indoor cycling into your treatment plan. As with any exercise program, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting indoor cycling to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

Further reading:

1. Alberts, J. L., Linder, S. M., Penko, A. L., Lowe, M. J., & Phillips, M. (2011). "It is not about the bike, it is about the pedaling: forced exercise and Parkinson's disease". Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 39(4), 177-186. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e31822dcf64
   
2. Ferrazzoli, D., Fasano, A., Maestri, R., Bera, R., Palamara, G., & Ghilardi, M. F. (2019). "Cycling Improves Sleep Quality in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study". Journal of Neural Transmission, 126(10), 1393-1400. doi: 10.1007/s00702-019-02040-9
3. Hackney, M. E., Earhart, G. M., & Tai, C. (2008). "Effects of dance on movement control in Parkinson's disease: a comparison of Argentine tango and American ballroom". Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 40(9), 734-739. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0235
4. Li, F., Harmer, P., Fitzgerald, K., Eckstrom, E., Stock, R., Galver, J., & Maddalozzo, G. (2012). "Tai Chi and Postural Stability in Patients with Parkinson's Disease". New England Journal of Medicine, 366(6), 511-519. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1107911
5. Ridgel, A. L., Phillips, R. S., Walter, B. L., Discenzo, F. M., Loparo, K. A., & Delitto, A. (2012). "Preliminary Effects of Exercise Initiation Timing on Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease". Journal of Parkinson's Disease, 2(1), 55-63. doi: 10.3233/JPD-2012-11085