The rehab tricycle. Cycling again despite multiple sclerosis, stroke or Parkinson's

How long have you had Parkinson's?

Since 12 years.

How long have you been riding a rehab tricycle?

Since May. So for about 2 months

How did you get into the rehab tricycle?

I wanted a piece of sports equipment that would train everything. In winter I train on the cross trainer and go cross-country skiing. The doctors told me that endurance training and muscle activity improve blood flow to the neurons and muscles, which in turn improves mental ability. And also improves speech. It is known that the interaction of movement, endurance and coordination can halt or even improve Parkinson's. I also don't need as much physiotherapy anymore. That is a lot of effort that can be saved. In physiotherapy I learned about upper body ergometers. And then I thought that if you could do it outside in the beautiful countryside, that would be great. I have been riding a Skorpion recumbent bike for 10 years. This takes the strain off your back. When you ride a two-wheeler you often sit with a hunchback and poor posture, which quickly leads to back problems.

And then you came up with rehab tricycles for adults?

Exactly, then I googled hand and foot bike and found the rehab tricycle.
So how did you buy it?

I ordered it from Reha Dreirad in Ulm without trying it out. I took the philosophy that the Reha tricycle should teach me how to do it. When I ride in the forest, I just let everything run, or I give it full power, or I accelerate quickly, my head is straight and I just look at the horizon and I'm totally into it and nothing happens. I'm part of a Parkinson's group. They are young people who are all "move on" types. I introduced the Reha tricycle for adults there. And it was very well received.

How does sport affect the connections in the brain, which are very important for people with Parkinson's?

The neurotransmitter dopamine is stimulated during exercise. The more muscles are active, the more dopamine is produced. Whole-body training is best here because that is where the most muscles are active. Large movements such as Cranking is good for the disease.

Will you reach your training goal faster with the rehab tricycle?

In any case, as I said, I can now ride my rehab tricycle in beautiful nature and have to do a lot less physiotherapy indoors.

What do you find particularly fun about the rehab tricycle?

I personally enjoy being able to move my arms and legs in unison and thus improve my coordination.

What do you do with your rehab tricycle?

Go on tours. For example, I'm going to Allgäu. I like going to the foothills of the Alps and doing mountain training.

With the rehab tricycle you can switch between different riding styles as you wish, i.e. just legs, just arms, one arm, arms and legs, synchronous or alternate style. Does that make sense?

Yes, because when your legs get tired you can use your arms.

Do you often switch between riding styles on your rehab tricycle?

Yes, I change often, depending on what I feel like, that's the nice thing.

Have you become faster thanks to the rehab tricycle?

Definitely. You notice it especially on hills. I've been riding a trike with a good friend for years. I've become faster and stronger with the rehab tricycle. He now has problems keeping up with me on hills, even though he doesn't have a handicap.

Does that mean you have also become stronger muscularly?

Definitely. You can see it, right? (Laughs)

The rehab tricycle is steered either with the arms or the legs or both. How do you feel about the steering?

I think it's good that you can steer using just your arms or legs.

Was it difficult to learn to ride the rehab tricycle?

It was difficult at the beginning. It took a while until I got the hang of steering. I practiced for about a week in a parking lot until I could ride, but it took another 1 to 2 months until I internalized the reflexes. Now I have mastered the rehab tricycle really well.

Do you feel safe riding your rehab tricycle?

At first I was scared to go downhill. Now I just let it go and ride pretty confidently and it's fun.

What would you say – for whom is the Reha Tricycle recommended?

For people who like to do sports, i.e. full-body training. And also for people who like to do cross-country skiing, swimming or something similar and want to do something different. For people who want to burn a lot of calories.

Riding a rehab tricycle is a new sport. How do the people you meet react when you ride a rehab tricycle?

People are curious. People often talk to me. You become somebody again on the bike and that increases your self-esteem.

Why did you choose the Reha tricycle and not another trike?

Well, I had already ridden the Skorpion for a few years, which only trains the legs, but that wasn't enough for me. Then I discovered the rehab tricycle, which trains the whole body. I followed it for a year and then, with the help of my father, I bought it and simply ordered it.

Finally, do you have any tips for rehab tricycle beginners?

Go out and try it. Just do it.d.

Christian from Diedorf

The few kilometers I do every day have unexpectedly given me a lot more strength. I no longer need to switch to a smaller chainring, I mostly ride in gears 8-10. It is also very pleasing that the symptoms have significantly reduced for the first time in more than two months. In terms of the illness, buying the Varibike was the best decision I have made in a long time.