At 48, Steven Iseman’s life changed when he received a devastating diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. However, his life took a positive turn after becoming the subject of a study involving cycling, a hobby he picked up following his diagnosis. The study, conducted by the department of human health and nutritional sciences at the University of Guelph, led by Philip Millar, revealed that Iseman experienced significant improvements in several Parkinson’s symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and brain fog.
He got fitter, and he got stronger, said Millar. And probably the most surprising for us was that his motor symptoms went down so significantly. The study showed a significant decrease in Iseman’s motor score and Parkinson’s fatigue. These findings suggest that additional exercise can help individuals with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms and disabilities effectively.
Although Iseman still takes medication to control his symptoms, he believes that daily intense exercise plays a crucial role in alleviating his condition. He explains that exercise takes the edge off and mentions that as he continued cycling, he felt fewer symptoms, including the brain fog that often clouds his mind.
It was a visit to a Parkinson’s fundraiser nearly five years ago that inspired Iseman to take up cycling. Witnessing a lack of participation from others with Parkinson’s, he vowed to return the following year with a team of individuals with the disease. Since then, he embarked on a mission to encourage others to join him in cycling. In 2018, he launched Rigid Riders with a friend to train fellow Parkinson’s patients and help them complete a 40-kilometer ride. The initiative has achieved remarkable success, boasting a 100 percent completion rate.
Dr. Lorraine Kalia, Iseman’s neurologist and a senior scientist with the Krembil Brain Institute at the University Health Network in Toronto, credits his unique case and exercise routine for the minimal progression of his disease. She emphasizes that exercise should be an essential component of treatment plans for individuals with Parkinson’s. Kalia adds, I think what was the important take-home message from that report in particular is that, and maybe not surprisingly, more is better.
Building on these promising results, Philip Millar and his team are conducting another study in collaboration with Parkinson Canada and the YMCA. The study aims to determine the optimal exercise regimen for individuals with Parkinson’s, comparing short high-intensity programs with longer-duration exercise. Preliminary findings suggest that increased movement yields better results.
Iseman’s story serves as an inspiration to others with Parkinson’s, proving that exercise can significantly improve their condition. By challenging themselves and embracing physical activity, individuals can combat the limitations imposed by the disease. Iseman’s ultimate goal is to establish Rigid Riders as a national program, extending its reach to help more Parkinson’s patients experience the transformative power of cycling.
As research continues to demonstrate the positive impact of exercise on Parkinson’s symptoms, it is becoming increasingly clear that physical activity must be integrated into treatment plans. The insights gained from studies like the one conducted on Iseman highlight the potential benefits of exercise as a therapeutic tool in managing Parkinson’s disease.
