The South Tampa Family YMCA (4411 S. Himes Ave. (813-839-0210) has begun a cycling program specially designed for Parkinson’s patients.
It utilizes stationary bikes in a spinning program designed to provide vigorous exercise to combat Parkinson’s symptoms and progression. It is free for the first eight-week session. After that, people with Silver Sneakers cards can continue the program at no cost. Others will pay $40 for six sessions.
The pedaling program is the latest of several new Parkinson-specific exercise programs announced or open in the Tampa bay area. I will describe the Y program in some detail and reference the other programs that I’ve written about previously. This should be a good list for New Year’s resolutions.
According to the YMCA brochure: “The Pedaling For Parkinson’s program uses high-cadence cycling (80 to 90 rpm) to forestall the progression of the disease, alleviate many symptoms and even reduce medication.
“Results vary due to the broad range of Parkinson’s symptoms, but it is clear that extended periods of forceful exercise have positive effects. For Parkinson’s patients, these can include reduction of tremors and dyskinesia, as well as cardiovascular benefits, increased leg strength, and better balance and core strength.
“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. Fast pedaling is not a cure of Parkinson’s disease and should not be touted as such, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference for many who try it.
“A medical provider consent and clearance form is required to register. The form must be completed and signed by your neurologist or primary care physician.
“Your provider can complete the form and fax it to the South Tampa Family YMCA at
813 831 2354, attention: Pedaling For Parkinson’s.”
The YMCA
asks you to complete this form, detach from the brochure and return to the Welcome Center at the South Tampa Family YMCA.
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Birthdate: _______/_______/_______
Age: ________________________________________
Are you a current YMCA member? Yes No
Address: ______________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________ State: _____ ZIP: __________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about the program? __________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________
Relationship: ____________________________________________________________________
PHYSICIAN
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________
Current medications: _________________________________________________________
Other health concerns we should know: ________________________________
The LSVT Big Program
A second, existing program I have not mentioned before is the LSVT Big program. It is available by prescription from your neurologist and is offered at Florida Hospital Tampa.
According to the program’s brochure: “LSVT big is a research-based, exercise approach developed from principles of the effective Parkinson’s specific speech treatment LSVT Loud. The LSVT programs have been developed and scientifically researched over the past 20 years with funding from the National Institutes of Health. Research on LSVT Big has documented and improved ratings on tests of motor functioning in people with PD following treatment.
“Improvements include: faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance, and an increase trunk rotation. LSVT treatment consists of: 16 sessions: 4 consecutive days a week for four weeks. Individual one-hour sessions. Daily homework practice daily carryover exercises.”
For more information contact Florida Hospital, 3102 E. 138th Ave. Tampa, phone number 813-615-7253. The LSVT website is WWW. LSVT global.com.
Beginning in January the Jewish community center/ National Parkinson’s Foundation exercise program begins three days a week’ read more about it at this post.
The Rock Steady Boxing program is available in Largo. A second location next year will be at the Cypress Palms senior living facility in Largo. It is breaking ground on a new gym that is being built specifically for the program. Leah Einboden, the program’s facilitator, said she’s hoping construction will be completed in January, and she already has more than 40 people signed up.
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