Anyone tried the Theracycle?

[Kt088]

This would work great for me in my home and would be much easier for me than the fast walking recommended on this site. Judging by the videos this looks to be a forced exercise as well. Would using this produce the same results as the fast walking? It’s very expensive but may be worth it. If one couldn’t do the fast walking, would this be an option?

[parkylot]

I’ve been spinning for several years. I have a Keiser bike and recommend it. I also walk. Walking is better because you need to work on your form while walking. Exaggerated steps heel toe swinging arms. Things that PD is stealing. When you get off the bike you need to walk not bike. Both are good cardio.

[GymBag]

Very interesting. The company literature calls it forced exercise and that is the important part in PD exercise . There are of course lots of stationary bikes but it is the forced part that I have been looking for. A stationary bike has advantages . It takes the weight off your knees unlike walking and it is unaffected by ice ,snow, rain and time of day .

But $6,000 , seems expensive

Thanks for information .

theracycle.com/

[AmmieM]

Yes I have it. I purchased it after I asked my neurologist if it would help and he said it would. It is expensive but I find that it’s helping me get my balance restored. I do it every other day and I’ve worked up to 12 mph for about 45 minutes.

[Nitro53]

Way too expensive for that piece of equipment. There are several other choices.

[Shirleyam]

Just purchased an The Power Assist Pedaler from Hammacher Schlemmer for my husband who has PD. He likes it. Used in front of chair. Adjustable from 25 rpm to 65 rpms. Cost $150.00. You can view on their website.

[Smittybear7 in reply to Shirleyam]

Where can you buy it

[Shirleyam in reply to Smittybear7]

Go to their website. I brought from them.

[ylbob]

Sorry in advance for the length of my post.

I have used the Theracycle for three years nearly everyday. I can say it is not much of a cardio workout (heart rate increase is minimal) but it is a good exercise device for someone like me who cannot walk long distances. I go at 10-11 mph for an hour and feel really good physically and psychologically. Symptoms have improved or stayed the same.

I am in California and the major problem is service and maintenance. There are no authorized factory service outlets in my area. I doubt there are any. My bike began making horrendous noises and the screen goes blank periodically. The company was very responsive but they offered an educated long distance diagnosis. The nearest repair outlet they offered was 200 miles away. I am trying to locate someone closer. If I pay that much money for a product I would expect a better than one year warranty and some authorized service dealers for such a complicated machine. I don't mind paying for a service call but it should not be so difficult to locate a repairman.

In addition it does not work well on padded carpet as it does not stay level. Adjustments of pedals, seat etc is not easy for a PWP. I have to get on the floor and work with small allen wrenches. My wife wanted to share the bike but adjusting the pedals, seat and handle bars was too difficult to do twice a day. Now I'm afraid I have a very expensive coat rack.

[NanCyclist in reply to ylbob]

I tried the Theracycle a number of years ago. It did not suffice for the needs of a PD patient. The expense was outrageous even then ($3600). I put my. Road bike on a trainer and used it for years. I now have a Peleton which is great.

[Tribselyov in reply to NanCyclist]

Good to hear from you, Nan