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

How long have you had Parkinson's disease?

For 12 years.

How long have you been riding a rehab tricycle?

Since May. So for about 2 months

How did you come to use a rehabilitation tricycle?

I wanted a piece of exercise equipment that would train everything. In winter, I train on the cross-trainer and do cross-country skiing. The doctors told me that endurance training and muscle activity improve blood flow to the neurons and muscles, which in turn enhances mental ability. It also improves speech. It's known that the interplay of movement, endurance, and coordination can slow down or even improve Parkinson's disease. Plus, I don't need as much physical therapy anymore. That's a lot of unnecessary effort. In physical therapy, I learned about upper-body ergometers. And then I thought, if you could use one of those outdoors in beautiful nature, that would be fantastic. I've been riding a Scorpion recumbent bike for 10 years. This really takes the strain off my back. On a regular bicycle, you often sit hunched over and in poor posture, which quickly leads to back problems.

And then they came up with the idea of a rehabilitation tricycle for adults?

Exactly, then I googled "hand and foot bicycle" and found the rehab tricycle.
And how did you buy it?

I ordered it from Reha Dreirad in Ulm without trying it out. I went with the philosophy that the Reha Tricycle should teach me how it's done. When I ride in the woods, I just let everything flow, or I go all out, or I accelerate quickly, my head is upright, I'm just looking at the horizon, completely absorbed, and nothing happens. I'm part of a Parkinson's support group. They're all young people who are really active. I presented the Reha Tricycle for adults to them, and it was very well received.

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

The neurotransmitter dopamine is produced more during exercise. The more muscles are active, the more dopamine is produced. Full-body workouts are best because they involve the most muscles. Large movements, such as... Cranking is good for the illness.

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

In any case, as I said, now I can ride my rehab tricycle in beautiful nature and have to do far fewer physiotherapy treatments indoors.

What do you find particularly enjoyable about the rehab tricycle?

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

What do you do with your rehabilitation tricycle?

Going on tours. For example, going to the Allgäu region right now. I enjoy hiking in the foothills of the Alps and doing mountain training.

With a rehabilitation tricycle, you can switch between different riding styles as desired, such as legs only, arms only, one arm, arms and legs, synchronous or alternate style. Is that useful?

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

Do you often switch between riding styles when using your rehab tricycle?

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

Did the rehab tricycle make you faster?

Absolutely. You especially notice it on hills. I've been riding a trike with a good friend for years. With the rehab trike, I've become faster and stronger. Now he has trouble keeping up with me on hills, even though he doesn't have a disability.

Does that mean you've also become stronger muscularly?

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

The rehabilitation tricycle is steered either with the arms or the legs, or both together. How do you find the steering?

I like that you can steer using only your arms or legs.

Was it difficult to learn to ride the rehabilitation tricycle?

It was difficult at first. It took a while to get the steering just right. I practiced in a parking lot for about a week before I could ride, but it took another one to two months to internalize the reflexes. Now I'm really good at handling the rehab tricycle.

Do you feel safe riding a rehabilitation tricycle?

At first I was afraid to ride downhill. Now I just let it flow and ride quite confidently, and it's fun.

Who would you say a rehabilitation tricycle is recommended for?

For people who enjoy sports, specifically full-body workouts. And also for people who like cross-country skiing, swimming, or similar activities and want to try something different. For people who want to burn a lot of calories.

Riding a rehabilitation tricycle is a new sport. How do people react when you encounter them on the rehabilitation tricycle?

People are curious. I get approached a lot. Being on a bike makes you feel like someone again, and that boosts your self-esteem.

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

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

Do you have any final tips for beginners in rehabilitation tricycles?

Go out and try it. Just do it.

Christian from Diedorf

The few kilometers I ride daily have unexpectedly given me a lot more strength. Switching to a smaller chainring is no longer necessary; I'm mostly riding in gears 8-10. It's also very encouraging that the symptoms have significantly decreased for the first time in over two months. In terms of my condition, buying the Varibike was the best decision I've made in a long time.