Look here, regarding PSP, this may possibly help...

[GonnaMissDaddy]

I posted a couple months ago about a study showing Parkinson's patients were being helped by riding a bicycle, and the improvements in the patients' ability to walk and move lasted beyond the time of the bike ride, into days or weeks. SO! Because my Daddy has PSP which is a ParkinsonISM, meaning it's Parkinson's but with more added devastating symptoms, I figured why not give it a try. I told you I wanted to try it with a stationary bike for my Daddy, not a regular bike because his condition is far beyond being able to do that. We got him a stationary mini-bike that has a handlebar, which helps the bike stay in position but probably isn't necessary which I say because he never holds onto the handlebar. Let me tell ya!! No better than he can control his body these days, he has the stuff body and can't walk at ALL, he can't even manage the TV remote control anymore, so, to me it's pretty amazing he can manage very well riding this bike!! He hasn't done it every day, we've had it about a month, and I wish I could say for sure he's improved but I'm not sure. HOWEVER, I'm sure it is healthy because he gets zero exercise aside from this, and it helps his blood FLOW in his body. I also get him to occasionally use a breather thingy like they make you suck on after surgery in the hospital, to help keep his lungs healthy. I mean, what the hades do you do when there's NO HELP available,, no cure no treatment! These exercise things are common sense and can't hurt and might help and maybe even more so than Daddy if implemented in earlier stage of the disease. I didn't know I could ever hate a disease as much as the cancer that stole my Mama at age 34 and threatened my life too several years ago, but boyoboy, I sure do. I hate it for Daddy and for all of you here who are dealing with it as patient or caregiver, which I am fulltime caregiver for Daddy. Hugs and prayers for us all!!!!!

[GonnaMissDaddy]

Typo correction: he has a STIFF body not a stuff body

[NannaB]

I'm so pleased your daddy can "cycle" and long may he do so. My hubby used to be able to use the cycle at the hospice that you recline on. He couldn't balance on the sitting one. Keep up the good work. Your dad is very fortunate to have such a lovely daughter who is willing to look after him. It's not easy reversing the role of father/daughter. Yes, we all need both hugs and prayers. Thank you.

X

[GonnaMissDaddy in reply to NannaB]

Thank you for your kind words Nanna. And I should figure out how to add a pic of the mini stationary bike because it sits on the floor in front of his riser-recliner so there are no balance issues. If a person can sit up in a big recliner they can use these bikes. I hope others will give it a try.

[Lieve]

A friend of my dad's had sent me an article about this, with a video - and we had tried a bike tool (three month's trial from our local homecare shop), but he's a little too far gone to use it. They had fancy electric ones that turn your feet for you, that would have been an option, but they were quite expensive. It seems logical that exercise is good - so I hope other people in an earlier stage will try it.

[Heady]

I am a firm believer in exercise. I have had S with a personal trainer for years. The last couple of years, he attended a class that was doing exercises for people with Parkingsons, plus a private session with the same young lady. Can't go to the classes anymore, so she comes to the house twice a week. He can do all of the exercises, can walk, sit to stand beautifully, until she leaves, then is totally wheelchair bound again. Has been like this all throughout his illness. Can't seem to put the exercises into every day life. Giving up trying now, at least he is getting the body moving and the blood flowing, so that has to be good!

Lots of love

Heady

[GonnaMissDaddy in reply to Heady]

Thank you Heady. That's amazing that for a time, your S could walk with the trainer but lost the ability after she left the house. This is one strange illness, so hard to know what to expect next. I agree, exercising to keep the blood flowing has to be helping with something or a lot of things. By the way, thanks for the emotional support you give to everyone on this board, Heady. You're a sweetheart! Lots of Love to you too, Sheila

[Heady in reply to GonnaMissDaddy]

Thank you Sheila.

Lots of love

Heady