NEWS & UPDATES

Posted on: Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Pedaling for Parkinson’s Program

Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic has demonstrated that riding an indoor, stationary bicycle at a rapid pace can reduce Parkinson’s Disease (PD) motor symptoms by as much as 35%. Fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson’s, but it can change the life of someone living with the condition. Our YMCA is excited to be a provider of Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) Program and support those living with PD in our communities and beyond.

The goal of Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) is to reduce PD symptoms and improve quality of life in those diagnosed by following a cycling protocol.

The PFP Program:

Participants ride a stationary/indoor cycle bike for 1 hour each class. This includes a 10 minute warm up at 60 RPM, followed by 40 minutes at 80 to 90 RPM, and a 10 minute cool down, with resistance. Class session will also include tracking heart rate, exercise frequency and cadence/intensity. The program is held 5 times a week for 60 minutes and is taught by certified Indoor Cycle Instructors. (We encourage participants to attend 3 times a week for maximum program benefit but not required.) Instructors have also completed the Pedaling for Parkinson’s training and Parkinson’s Disease Training for Fitness Professionals through the American Parkinson Disease Association.

New Program! Move Forward is a 30-minute class for individuals with Parkinson’s combining strength training, balance and stretching for. Each weekly class will include various exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility.

All exercises are modified to accommodate all needs and abilities. This program is an add-on to our already successful “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” (PFP) program. PFP is an evidenced informed program to help PD patients achieve an improved sense of well-being and is offered at all Hockomock Area YMCA branches.

Our next session begins soon- Enrolling now

Move Forward* offerings denoted.

Here are our offering days, times and locations to fit your schedule:

Mondays at 10:30am* at our Foxboro Y

Mondays at 11:00am at our Foxboro Y

Tuesdays at 5:30pm* at our North Attleboro Y

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 10:30am* at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 11:00am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 11:00am at our Franklin Y

Thursdays at 6:00pm* at our North Attleboro Y

Through support of the Parkinson’s Foundation and the APDA MA Chapter, enrollment is at no cost to participants. We encourage you to try all 3 class times to meet and learn from our entire team of instructors.

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

• 30-75 years old
• Have a clinical diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease
• Complete and submit a signed consent
• Obtain clearance from a medical provider
• Be willing to take part in monitoring and data collection
• Wear wrist heart rate monitor (Provided by YMCA) to every class

Other recommendations:

• While not required, padded cycle shorts and comfortable shirts are recommended
• Please bring a water bottle
• Clip in shoes are not required but may be helpful

To enroll or for more information, please contact Donna Higgins at donnah@hockymca.org or 508-643-5271.