1. Stories
  2. Parkinson’s Disease
  3. Combatting Parkinson’s Disease with Forced Exercise

Stories

Combatting Parkinson’s Disease with Forced Exercise

Janet-Butler-Theracycle

Janet Butler of Dover was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease close to nine years ago. She recently started exercising in her bedroom on a Theracycle, a motorized stationary bicycle that uses forced-exercise.

· Kimberley Haas | The Union Leader, published on 10/08/18 ·

DOVER — Janet Butler of Dover was 65 and working as a school counselor when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease close to nine years ago.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It is not curable. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes with a tremor in one hand. That is what Butler experienced.

A family member suggested Butler start exercising on a Theracycle, a motorized stationary bicycle that uses forced-exercise. She invested the $4,000 and put faith into the idea that the home-based machine could slow the progression of her disease when coupled with the right medication. Today, Butler is on the bike for 45 minutes five days a week. When she is not using it, she said she walks really fast as if someone is chasing her.

“It committed me to exercise for the rest of my life,” Butler said. “I can’t believe how slowly my Parkinson’s has progressed.”

Dr. Matthew Robertson, a staff neurologist at Appledore Neurology Associates which is part of Portsmouth Regional Hospital, explained in a recent interview that Parkinson’s makes it difficult for people to exercise in the ways they used to such as by running, but it is crucial to slowing down muscle atrophy. … Read more »

The complete article is available from the link below: