Cycling UK Forum

My younger brother, aged 74, has had serious lung issues over the last three years. Initially affected by Covid, his lungs never fully recovered. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and treated then it returned again this year. More treatment; antibiotics, and now has a portable oxygen cylinder to lug around. His medical history isn't great; severe asthma from birth and a heavy smoker until about 20 years ago. He had worked in the canning industry so indoors in metal fabrication so not the healthiest of work environments. He's limited in what exercise he can do, walking around the house and climbing the stairs seem to be the limits. Question is, would a decent indoor trainer/turbo be useful? Obviously he'd need to seen his clinicians and rehab physiotherapist first but it struck me that it would mean some exercise without stress loading his legs or having any impact damage.

That sounds very tough.

As well as the physical effects of different types of exercise there's the psychological. And the most important aspect of that is what would he keep doing? Does the modern training technology afford anything that would help in that, such as "riding" with buddies?

If money is tight is there a way of hiring or borrowing a trainer to see how it goes? The physiotherapist might know of a suitable scheme.

Jonathan

PS: Has anyone assessed the air quality in his house? Damp, mould and the emissions from woodburning wouldn't help.

Thanks. Re house, air con Canadian house. Decent new build in the last 5 years and surveys show neither damp/mould nor insect life. I’m more interested in whether he could use a turbo to get at least some semblance of exercise activity!

Small steps.Start with a few minutes and gradually build up.A lot of asthmatics find the asthma kicks in at night and that being vertical is more comfortable than horizontal.Though difficult when going to sleep at night.
(the latter might mean some Covid patients might be more comfortable when sleeping at a moderate angle than fully flat.)
I noticed steam inhalers at my pharmacy.His GP might agree could help loosen the mucus and ease discomfort.
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I ride Brompton.Hetchins 531

Gracias señor

I would honestly think that an exercise bike might be better than the turbo? They are a lot easier to get on & off, and easier to use, as well.

Just put it on a light exercise setting and pedal as long as he wants, or use a preset program. No faffing about with gears or turbo setup.