Dr Jay Alberts discovered the value of cycling as a relief of symptoms for people who suffer with Parkinson's disease, while riding a tandem bicycle in Iowa during the RAGBRAI - the ride across the state of Iowa. Based on his observations of the reduction in symptoms he saw in his tandem partner Cathy Frazier, he began clinical trials to study the affects of what he describes as "forced exercise" on someone suffering from a neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
UPDATE September 2014:
We are now offering an ACE approved Parkinson”™s Cycling Coach training program. To learn if you qualify click here.
From their website:
Jay Alberts is a native of Sanborn, Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Iowa State University in 1994. He completed his neuroscience doctoral training in 2000 at Arizona State University where he worked under Drs. George E. Stelmach and James R. Bloedel in his studies investigating the effects of Parkinson”™s disease on motor performance and learning.
Dr. Alberts is currently an Assistant Staff in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, within the Lerner Research Institute and the Center for Neurological Restoration , Cleveland Clinic , in Cleveland, OH. For more information on his research visit: http://www.lerner.ccf.org/bme/alberts/ . He has more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific publications in journals such as Brain, Experimental Brain Research and other prominent medical journals. Dr. Alberts serves as a reviewer for a number of scientific journals and funding agencies and his professional affiliations include, American Academy of Neurology, Society of Neuroscience and International Graphonomics Society. Dr. Alberts has had continual extramural funding for his research since 1997 in the form of grants from the National Institutes of Health, American Parkinson”™s disease Association and Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation.
Dr. Alberts is married to Janelle and they have two children. Dr. Alberts and his wife are tandem enthusiasts.
Listen to our discussion below to get a more complete understanding of this fascinating topic - or subscribe to our free Podcast in iTunes.
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John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Fascinating interview!
I teach at a hospital based facility which offers aqua classes for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
I recently became aquatinted with one of our members with Parkinson’s when he came to one of my Indoor Cycling classes. I was quite nervous as I helped him get from his walker to the bike for the first time last fall. He continues to come every week and I am always amazed that his shaky movements become smooth and fluid by the end of the class. Riding with Jim is a highlight in my week!
Thank you for insight into his disease and sharing your vision for relieving some of his symptoms through cycling.