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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Cycling Cadence And Resistance

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
McKinney, TX

Hi, I just got a Peloton bike this week and am apprehensively looking forward to getting the most out of it. Cycling was something my neurologist suggested. I have never been a cyclist, but I am determined to do all I can to slow the progression of my PD. ( I will ride everyday also because it cost a small fortune!) I was wondering if anyone else cycles, and if so, do you know what resistance is necessary supposed to be beneficial? I have read many places that the cadence needs to be between 80… read more

February 10, 2019
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I found a used theracycle and use it twice a day for 20 min. each time, changing my cadence on the fly as I go along. Trying to work up to 45 min. at 80-90 rpm. When I feel lazy and not too fatigued I let it do the work and get me moving. About 5 min. into the routine I start pedalling with it, and start pushing and pulling against the upper body portion. For some reason I always feel physically more at ease and in a better mood when done. Its certainly not turning me into an athlete (I'm 72) but I have to honestly say I do feel stronger and I believe any form of regular physical exercise will help. My son in law has a Peloton and while I havent tried his yet, I will. It looks like a great bike too. . The very strange thing is, even for the short time Ive been using it I think its helping my motor function somewhat. I say this because I played guitar most of my life and had to give it up completely a year ago because I couldn't hold a finger pick or properly finger the notes anymore, even while my meds were working. One more thing to lose. Today after dinner, on a whim, I tried again. I was not only holding the pick well without slipping, but I was able to play fairly well for about 20 min, considering its been a year. I couldnt understand why at all, but don't contribute this to any particular piece of machinery and haven't upped or changed my meds in any way. I believe its just the fact that Im using my body regularly, even when I don't feel like it, at varying higher speeds and resistances.

May 31, 2023 (edited)
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Cleveland clinic suggestions was 80 rpm for 45 minutes I believe . That’s pretty fast so not much resistance is needed as it’s the repetition n not the strength building that your shooting for. Having said that , I recently went to a yoga studio spin class for Parkinson’s and they had us varying the speed and actually standing at times? Talk about a killer excercise class. I could barely climb the stairs the next day?

February 16, 2019
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I use a Theracycle device that is designed specically for PD. It has a motor for forced excersise , that you can. regulate. I ampresently riding two miles per day at. eight miles per hour. My plan is to increase to four miles per day.
Would like to hear from other Theracycle users. Blessings to all.

You

February 11, 2019
MyParkinsonsTeam

Cycling cadence, or how quickly you pedal, is important for improving motor function in Parkinson's disease. Benefits were associated with cycling at 80 revolutions per minute. Significant improvements can be realized after just three exercise sessions.

For resistance, a low-resistance, interval bicycling intervention has Show Full Answer

Cycling cadence, or how quickly you pedal, is important for improving motor function in Parkinson's disease. Benefits were associated with cycling at 80 revolutions per minute. Significant improvements can be realized after just three exercise sessions.

For resistance, a low-resistance, interval bicycling intervention has been studied for its effects on Parkinson's disease, suggesting that both cadence and resistance play roles in therapeutic outcomes.

For more details, you can refer to the article on the benefits of bike therapy for Parkinson’s disease [here](https://www.MyParkinsonsTeam.com/resources/bene...).

July 13, 2024
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I own a peloton also, any resistance and cadence That feels good, Will give you a good workout… Just varies day today, enjoy!

May 31, 2023

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