Bicycle Riding Ok are Not ?? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

Roadworker · 06-09-2009, 05:27 PM

Hi all
I was wondering if riding a bicycle was a ok excersise for the tighness in the legs and the pain that comes with it?

I know walking and stretching is very good, i have been walking and got a book on stretching but was thinking about riding a bicylcle as well so any thought would be great.

Alittle quick back round i have been told " most likey PPMs" nothing showed on test yet but do have the hyperreflexia with clonus and alot alot of pain in the legs .I am on the Baclofen and Gabapentin and just started with Cymbalta...( Not sure on the spellings ) But still seems pain is not getting better at all.

Thanks all
mike

MSJayhawk · 06-09-2009, 05:35 PM

When I started "kissing the turf", 2 wheels were out for me. I do use an Exercycle (passive exercise bike). I think it has helped my legs.

Consider your balance, your meds, etc. If you go 2 miles and have a problem, what is your back-up plan? You might consider an E-Trike. You can pedal it and when you cannot pedal further, flip the switch ad ride back with the battery-power. The trike would also prevent any balance issues.

You might consider walking in the pool or swimming.

MSNik · 06-10-2009, 03:32 PM

Hey Mike...glad to hear from you, sorry to hear you arent feeling too terrific. My experiences with a bike have been interesting. Prior to MS, I rode about 20 miles a day...a road bike. Then, when the symtoms started, I cut down to about 5 miles a day....eventually heat intolerance got to me and I stopped entirely. Later, started wearing a cooling vest and went back to about 10 miles a day in the fall/ spring and down to 3 miles in the heat.....
fast forward 3 years later....the exhuastion of MS along with intense exertion that biking causes, I no longer ride....however, i have a new toy, which Ive been using for the past 8 months- the Gazelle. A cross between the eliptical machine and a treadmill, it is MUCH easier on the body and still gives a cardio and stretching workout!! If you are still completely independent and not ready to give up on working out, this might be for you. I know plenty of MSers who use it and love it....the next step down would be a recumbert bike, where you are sitting and using just your feet to pedal...this again, is less stressful then the all over biking...(and both the Gazelle and recumbant bike are excellent if you have any balance issues).
hope this helps? Mike, I really think its what your body is up to...you wont know till you try- however, keep in mind overheating your body is going to cause more BAD then GOOD...so consider trying it in the comfort of your home, a stationary bike, or in an airconditioned gym! And dont forget cooling vests during exercise are great!
Good luck and keep us posted.
Nikki