top of page
  • Writer's pictureEngage PT, OT, SLP Therapy and Wellness

Cycling Your Way to Feeling Better


Cycling has been shown to be an effective exercise to help manage PD. A researcher at the Cleveland clinic, Dr. Jay Alberts, discovered this when he was tandem bike riding with someone with Parkinson's. When they got off the bike, this person had a significant reduction in tremor and improved handwriting.


From there he went back to his research and has been focused on how bike riding, especially at a higher intensity, can be beneficial for those with PD. In his research he uses stationary bikes to have participants cycle at a higher speed then they would self select. By working at a higher speed there have been positive findings in:

  • Improved rigidity

  • Improved tremor

  • Improved quality of life

  • Improved sleep

  • Improve balance and walking'

  • Improved attention and memory

  • Decreased falls


How can you get into cycling?

  • Pedaling for Parkinson's is a group that offers in person classes through the YMCA and also offers virtual classes. A class is an hour long with a warm up at 60 RPM, followed by 40 minutes at 80-90 RPM and then a 10 minute cool down.

  • If you have a stationary bike at home, you can follow the same structure as the pedaling for Parkinson's group. (*** It would be best to work with a physical therapist or trainer when you are starting out at a higher intensity)

48 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page