Years ago another member showed a link to research in China hinting that simple use of a stationary bike several times a week for 15 minutes was enough to improve SCA patients balance. Now further research at Columbia Presbyterian is supporting that hypothesis. In fact the researchers have completed a Phase I trial and are now coordinating a second Phase II trial with a slightly larger cohort. Bottom line the doctor leading the research believes aerobic exercise may actually help repair damage in the brain. Remarkable! Here's hoping he is correct!!
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"“We think that aerobic training may increase cerebellum volume, whereas balance training may be more of a compensatory mechanism, helping patients cope with a deficit as opposed to affecting anything in the brain.”
Interesting stuff! I have SCA, and I have a static bike - I pull it out in front of the TV in living room 3 times a week and do 45 minutes each time. That's usually an episode or two of something on Netflix
🙂 I have a treadmill..but the movement didn’t help me cope with my Vestibular issues. But..for those people who don’t cope with this..give it a go..Any movement is better than none..but personally I draw the line at aerobic exercise
Such positive research. I w as going to ask how on earth I could do aerobic exercise when my balance is so poor (I used to go to an aerobic class twice a week for years til I became too frightened of falling over). I now realise that my static recliner bike exercise is also aerobic exercise so I am determined to increase my sessions on it. Thank you for sharing this info.
Another individual on another site mentioned that he uses a rowing machine to perform aerobic exercise. I must admit I am not much of a fan of stationary bikes mostly because I have always had weak muscles when it comes to biking and really struggle, but I enjoyed using rowing machines many, many years ago in college so if or rather when the day comes I can no longer use a treadmill I like the idea of investing in a rowing machine versus a stationary bike. Fortunately my home is large and can accommodate such, but if one lives in a smaller home or an apartment, it might not be such a good idea
My house is to small for both, but I have a floor pedal bike (I call it a bike), not only does the exercise make me feel better in myself but it helps me keep my weight at the level I want and also helps with ...................constipation! Lack of mobility is the main cause of constipation.The treadmill I had, I didn,t enjoy as I felt unsafe, so it was folded away and unused, I found it a waste of money, but gave it a try anyway.
Hi I wish that was the case, a few years I used to have an exercise bike but I had to stop using it as it made my legs very wobbly. I have since used a rowing machine every weekday for 30 minutes and really do it quite vigorously. My overall cardio fitness is excellent according to my fitbit app.
But 17 years since diagnoses I still am very clumsy and nearly fall most days.
But still, getting some good cardio is very important for ataxians as other wise we tend to live a very sedantry life. I want to prolong my physical health for as long as I can. Even if I stumble and fall.
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