Best Bike for Parkinson’s
My uncle just came down with Parkinson’s and my Auntie came to me looking for some advice on what bicycle to get him to help maintain his motor skills and keep the issue from getting even greater. When looking for the best bike for Parkinson’s, the main thing I was looking for was a motorized bike that had a high rpm limit to help uncle.
It’s important to make sure that along with getting a bike that has a motorized unit to help with the movement, that my uncle is also able to consistently ride on the bike. The last thing that we want him to lose is his spirit.
In this post, you will learn about the best bike choices for Parkinson’s. There are many options for Parkinson’s and it is easy to make the right choice as long as you have the correct information.
You will learn about the best types of exercise for a person with Parkinson’s disease. And finally we will make the best recommendation for you on how to train with the best bike for Parkinson’s disease.
Is riding a bike good for Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, riding a bike is good for Parkinson’s disease. In fact, it’s fantastic. The research shows that bike riding may be one of the best ways for a person to decrease the development of Parkinson’s symptoms in patients.
It is also great to cycle if you have neck problems too.
As you are stimulating the muscles, the nerves are also getting a boost in use so the atrophy slows down. It is also great in general as you get older to make sure that the blood is circulating throughout the body with a non-impactful, and healthy daily exercise.
If at all possible, it is highly recommended to begin bike riding if you have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Are there specific types of bicycles that are best for Parkinson’s Disease?
Yes, there are specific bicycles that are best for Parkinson’s disease. It is recommended that you ride a bicycle that is has a motorized assist. This does not mean ride an E-bike.
The recommendation is to ride a bicycle that is stationary with motorized assist to be able to help the muscles move in the fluid, full range of motion.
The movement in the full range of motion allows the nerves and muscles to understand and continue to function in the normal range of motion. This will slow down the symptoms occurring from Parkinson’s.
How often should I cycle with Parkinson’s?
Typically you will want to ride 3 times a week for at least half an hour, but typically one hour. The easiest way to find time is to do this while watching television.
The bicycles that we will recommend are small enough to fit comfortably in the home, and many can be carried by an able bodied person with only one hand.
When you are riding for 3 times a week, the consistency will add to your muscle memory and ability to maintain the strength in the muscles and activation of the nervous system for the range of motion being practiced.
How should I cycle with Parkinson’s?
When working with a motorized bicycle, it is recommended to ride at a high cadence. This means to ride the bicycle at a setting where the speed of movement is high. High typically is about 70-90 rotations per minute.
If you are riding for 30 minutes, try riding for 5 minutes at 60 rotations per minute, then 20 minutes at 80 rotations per minute. Afterwards for a cooldown ride at 30 rotations per minute for 5 minutes. If the pedal assist on your bike goes a little slower (~70 rotations per minute) that is fine as well.
It is recommended to ride for an hour if possible, though 30 minutes a day is a great place to start.
If you are riding for 60 minutes, try riding for 10 minutes at 60 rotations per minute, then 40 minutes at 80 rotations per minute. Afterwards for a cooldown ride at 30 rotations per minute for 10 minutes. If the pedal assist on your bike goes a little slower (~70 rotations per minute) that is fine as well.
What is the best exercise for Parkinson’s?
Stationary Pedal-assisted cycling is the best exercise for Parkinson’s. Cycling provides nourishment and energy to the muscles that need it most, while cycling energy through the nervous system.
The pedal assist function of Parkinson’s bicycles also allow the patient to feel and utilized a full range of motion so that the body is programmed to continue to use these muscles rather than allowing them to fall off.
There are other options as well as long as they are non-impactful to the body, and provide a cardio benefit.
Best Bike for Parkinson’s
The best bike for Parkinson’s will be a bicycle that has a motor that assists you when pedaling. The motor will go to around 70-90 rotations per minute at its highest cadence.
This is important because it will elongate the legs, all while ensuring that the patient has no trouble finding their way through the full range of motion on the bicycle.
The bicycle will also be sturdy in place, and will not move should the patient have any muscular movements that could knock the bicycle off balance.
The newer bicycles are far smaller than their predecessors and can be carried with one hand by an able bodied person which is a large plus for space, usage and availability to the user.
Here is our choice for the best bike for Parkinson’s
The Exerpeutic 2000M is an excellent choice for your Uncle with Parkinson’s Disease. The motorized assist helps riders enjoy the ability to have a full range of motion while also being able to flex the muscles in positions that may have been stiff before.
The motor goes up to 75 rotations per minute so that you are able to have a high cadence pedal assisted workout, and your nephew is able to carry this comfortably at 8 kilograms.
Many are also raving because they have spoken to their experience of minimal or no regression of the disease after a year of use and the greatest part is that you can use this anywhere in your home at such an easy, light weight and portable option.
Conclusion: Best Bike for Parkinson’s
There are many options for riding a good bicycle for Parkinson’s Disease. Our choice is a good option where there is a setting for pedal assist at a high cadence to help the patient receive the full range of motion while riding.
Many are also looking for help with their knee replacement. For great bikes that help with this, press here.
Outside of the pedal assist, riding in a stationary bicycle will improve the patients ability to convert oxygen into energy, keep active and feel healthy.
