Active-Assisted Cycling Improves Tremor and Bradykinesia in Parkinson’s Disease

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To develop a rapid cadence cycling intervention (active-assisted cycling [AAC]) using a motorized bike and to examine physiological perimeters during these sessions in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). A secondary goal was to examine whether a single session of AAC at a high cadence would promote improvements in tremor and bradykinesia similar to the on medication state.

DESIGN:

Before-after pilot trial with cross-over.

SETTING:

University research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS:

Individuals with idiopathic PD (N=10, age 45-74y) in Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 to 3.

INTERVENTION:

Forty minutes of AAC.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Heart rate, pedaling power, and rating of perceived exertion were recorded before, during, and after a bout of AAC. Functional assessments included tremor score during resting, postural, and kinetic tremor.

RESULTS:

This AAC paradigm was well tolerated by individuals with PD without excessive fatigue, and most participants showed improvements in tremor and bradykinesia immediately after a single bout of cycling.

CONCLUSIONS:

This paradigm could be used to examine changes in motor function in individuals with PD after bouts of high-intensity exercise.

Copyright © 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)2049-2054
Number of pages6
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume93
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012

Disciplines

  • Medicine and Health Sciences

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