Originally Posted by
Oakman
I'm 69 with PD symptoms since 2003, diagnosed in 2006. My bike riding diminished to almost zero during that time, but I did occasionally cycle (with two falls) until 2016. Had a successful unilateral DBS in that year that changed my cycling, and my life, for the better.
My routine is about an 8 mile ride 5-6 days per week (one fall in past 6 years). I strive for rpm's and heart beat. High rpm's for me is around 90 and heartbeat towards 120. I should push my rpm's more, but that is something that keeps dropping with disease progression. Increasing fatigue is a major problem for me. However, I believe cycling has helped in slowing my PD. And I'll likely continue riding longer than I safely should.
My rpm's are only in the 60-65 range, so I'll have to work on that. Perhpas staying in a lower gear would help.
Not sure about my heartbeat numbers. I have an Apple watch that i think can measure that. I'll have to research how that's done.
Thanks for responding and sharing your experience. Glad to hear that your DBS has helped so much.
Bert