Nearly one million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive illness with no cure that worsens over time. In Salt Lake City, Utah, this number is particularly high. However, a new program utilizing spin cycling has been developed to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. This program is backed by research and aims to redefine the fight against Parkinson’s.
Lamont Dorrity, a 63-year-old with Parkinson’s disease, experienced early symptoms such as tremors in his mouth and hand. Although a deep brain stimulation surgery helped with his tremors, Dorrity continued to struggle with fatigue, muscle stiffness, balance issues, and walking difficulties. About a year ago, he joined the research-backed program called “Pedaling for Parkinson’s.”
Led by exercise therapist Adam Ballenger, the program involves intensive spin cycling sessions where participants are encouraged to pedal at a high rate for at least 40 minutes. This forced cycling helps pump dopamine into the brain and has been shown to improve Parkinson’s symptoms significantly. Dorrity and other participants have reported feeling more fluid in their movements and more balanced after each session.
While the program is not a cure for Parkinson’s, researchers believe it can slow down the progression of the disease. Some participants have seen a 35 percent improvement in their symptoms. Unfortunately, the program at Intermountain Health is currently on hold
