Pedaling for Parkinson's is coming to the Greater Cleveland YMCA

Pedaling for Parkinson's logo The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is developing a new program for victims of Parkinson’s Disease with the help of Cleveland Clinic physician Jay L. Alberts, Ph.D., who is a staff member in the department of Biomedical Engineering Center for Neurological Restoration.

Called Pedaling for Parkinson’s, the new program is scheduled to debut in January 2012.

WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT PEDALING FOR PARKINSON'S BELOW

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a breakdown in the nerve cells of the brain. The affected nerve cells do not produce enough dopamine, which affects the person’s ability to move the way they want to.

Tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble with balance or walking are all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

In time, Parkinson’s affects muscles throughout the body, leading to difficulty swallowing, difficulty in digestion and with facial movements, and dementia in some cases.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Pedaling a bicycle may change the life of someone with Parkinson’s disease.

Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic showed a 35% reduction in symptoms by the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace, optimally 80-90 revolutions per minute.

Although fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease and should not be touted as such, there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference for many who try it.

An Example and a Success Story
Nan Little was 62 in 2008 when she was diagnosed with a mild case of Parkinson’s disease.

She learned about the research being done by Dr. Alberts which demonstrated the positive effects of fast-paced cycling on the disease.

“Dr. Alberts sent me the protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pace of 80-90 r.p.m. (revolutions per minute) for 40 minutes, three times per week, and keeping my heart rate at 60-80-percent of maximum,” said Little.

Little rides her bike daily – she is a member at the YMCA of Snohomish County in Everett, WA.

Alberts invited her and her husband to take part on the “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” team in a bike ride in a 450-mike trek across the state of Iowa.

“The dramatic change in my symptoms correlated directly to my bike time, particularly when I committed to the pace of 80-90 r.p.m.,” she said. “Both the mental and physical symptoms have been alleviated significantly, and have not progressed.”

The Goal in Cleveland
Through this program, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland will become the national training arm for the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program. As it is being structured, the Greater Cleveland Y will have exclusive rights to the conducting of trainings for the next three to five years.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s will roll out at three Greater Cleveland YMCA locations in January 2012: East, West and Downtown.

For more information on Pedaling for Parkinson's, visit the web site at:

www.pedalingforparkinsons.org

CLICK HERE to Download the Pedaling for Parkinsons's program information from the Snohomish County YMCA.