Fighting Parkinson's Disease with exercise
Pedaling for Parkinson’s at the Chattanooga Metropolitan YMCA
What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the breakdown in the nerve cells in the brain. The affected nerve cells do not produce enough dopamine, which affects the individual’s ability to move the way they want to. Tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble with balance or walking are all symptoms of PD.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s Mission: To provide a means of applying recent data related to benefits of assisted or forced exercise in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. Assisted or forced exercise is operationally defined as a model of aerobic exercise in which voluntary efforts of an individual are augmented so that they can exercise at faster than they could achieve voluntarily. High speed pedaling has been proven to help afflicted patients delay or in some cases improve their symptoms. Rapid pedaling is not a cure for PD, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference for any who try it. Additionally, fast paced cycling is changing the lives of increasing numbers of participants who, before this, had no hope beyond medication and eventually surgery to slow the progression of their disease.
Branches: YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River, Hamilton Family YMCA, and Cleveland YMCA offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s.
Instructor Qualifications: Skilled spin/cycle instructors comfortable teaching in a small group setting; understand components of behavioral changes, excellent relationship building skills with individuals as well as ability to build a small community within a group; respond to safety and emergency situations; ability to be empathetic and inclusive when working with a diverse population; provide accessibility/assistance to participants before and after class; HIPAA certified.
Class Offerings: See attached flyer
Cost of Class: Free to YMCA members; $60 per month for Community Members
Who Can Participate?
Who can NOT participate?
Process for class enrollment:
Participants must obtain medical release and consent form. Once completed and turned in, the Wellness Director and/or Class Instructor will follow up to schedule an orientation and initial class session.
What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the breakdown in the nerve cells in the brain. The affected nerve cells do not produce enough dopamine, which affects the individual’s ability to move the way they want to. Tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble with balance or walking are all symptoms of PD.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s Mission: To provide a means of applying recent data related to benefits of assisted or forced exercise in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients. Assisted or forced exercise is operationally defined as a model of aerobic exercise in which voluntary efforts of an individual are augmented so that they can exercise at faster than they could achieve voluntarily. High speed pedaling has been proven to help afflicted patients delay or in some cases improve their symptoms. Rapid pedaling is not a cure for PD, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference for any who try it. Additionally, fast paced cycling is changing the lives of increasing numbers of participants who, before this, had no hope beyond medication and eventually surgery to slow the progression of their disease.
Branches: YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River, Hamilton Family YMCA, and Cleveland YMCA offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s.
Instructor Qualifications: Skilled spin/cycle instructors comfortable teaching in a small group setting; understand components of behavioral changes, excellent relationship building skills with individuals as well as ability to build a small community within a group; respond to safety and emergency situations; ability to be empathetic and inclusive when working with a diverse population; provide accessibility/assistance to participants before and after class; HIPAA certified.
Class Offerings: See attached flyer
Cost of Class: Free to YMCA members; $60 per month for Community Members
Who Can Participate?
- Must be diagnosed with Idiopathic PD
- Complete and submit a signed consent form and medical clearance with written consent from a physician
- Agree to periodically monitor progress
Who can NOT participate?
- Cardiac or pulmonary disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Uncontrolled hypertension or stroke
- Dementia
- Other medical conditions that are contraindicative to exercise
Process for class enrollment:
Participants must obtain medical release and consent form. Once completed and turned in, the Wellness Director and/or Class Instructor will follow up to schedule an orientation and initial class session.
