2025 Mar 14, 14:08
At the age of 48, Steven Iseman's life took a drastic turn when he received the devastating news of being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. However, as a result of his dedication to intensive exercise, particularly long-distance cycling, Iseman now finds himself leading scientists on a groundbreaking path that could potentially improve the lives of others afflicted by the disease. Iseman himself attests to the transformative power of exercise: "I think that exercise is the main thing that's making the difference," he said. Although he still relies on medication to manage his symptoms, daily intense exercise has proven to take "the edge off." A team of researchers from the University of Guelph's department of human health and nutritional sciences, led by Philip Millar, conducted a study on Iseman both before and after a grueling 7,850-kilometer cross-country cycling trip in 2022
The results were nothing short of profound. Millar stated that the study's findings indicate that individuals with Parkinson's can effectively manage their symptoms and disabilities through additional exercise. "He got fitter, and he got stronger," explained Millar. "And probably the most surprising for us was that his motor symptoms went down so significantly." The study revealed a 44 percent decrease in Iseman's motor symptoms score as measured by the Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, as well as a 32 percent decrease in Parkinson's fatigue as measured by another test
The researchers emphasized that exercise did not exacerbate Iseman's condition; instead, it acted as a form of medicine. Millar pointed out the critical role of both high duration and high-intensity exercise, stating that "they think it is a really critical feature." Moreover, the study raised questions about the general recommendations given to the population regarding exercise, suggesting that there may be potential untapped benefits beyond what is currently advised. In fact, Iseman himself has experienced increased benefits the longer he continues to exercise. "The brain fog that I experience..
lifted, not permanently but for a period of time when I was cycling and, as I kept cycling, it would last longer and longer," he shared. Despite the typical inclination for individuals to decrease activity or engage in mild exercise after a Parkinson's diagnosis, Iseman chose to push the limits and persevere. Describing the immediate fear and sensitivity that individuals often feel upon receiving their diagnosis, Iseman, a retired lawyer based in Toronto, urged others to overcome such barriers. He hid his own diagnosis for the first few years, but after attending a Parkinson's fundraiser and noticing the absence of others with the disease, he made the decision to come out publicly and embrace exercise as a means of combating his condition. Dr. Lorraine Kalia, Iseman's neurologist at the Krembil Brain Institute, commended his unique case, highlighting the minimal progression of his Parkinson's disease over the past couple of years
While Iseman's exercise regime may not be suitable for everyone, Kalia stressed the importance of exercise as a vital component of treatment plans and the need to tailor physical activity to each individual case. She emphasized that "more is better," mirroring the findings of the study. Another ongoing study, conducted in collaboration with Parkinson Canada and the YMCA, examines the impact of short high-intensity exercise programs versus longer-duration exercise in a group of individuals with Parkinson's. Early results suggest that more movement yields better results. Millar emphasized the transformative effect exercise has on individuals who initially believe they are incapable
"They often feel like they can't, but you put them on the bike and they can do it," he said. Iseman's ambition is to encourage others to take up cycling, prompting him to establish the "Rigid Riders" alongside a friend in 2018. Their goal is to train individuals to complete a 40-kilometer ride. Iseman's passion for cycling is infectious, as he proudly shared, "We have grown every year, and incredibly we have a 100 per cent success rate to date at getting our riders over the finish line." Furthermore, he highlighted the powerful shift in mindset that occurs when individuals decide they are no longer victims of their Parkinson's, signaling this transformation to their brains and bodies by daring to take on difficult challenges.