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The Program

Watch the WTAE Pittsburgh News coverage video on Joy Riders:

https://www.wtae.com/article/joy-riders-project-gives-veterans-a-chance-to-ride/23516039

If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a ride, contact
Karen Primm at joyriderspa@gmail.com 
or
Susan Waldrop at suewaldrop181@comcast.net

or

joyriderspgh@gmail.com (for Pittsburgh rides)

Mission:  To connect persons with limited mobility to nature and friendships through adaptive biking.

Depression Research
Evidence-Based Practice Guideline:
Wheelchair Biking for the Treatment of Depression

Authored by: Suzanne Fitzsimmons, MS, ARNP
Linda Buettner, CTRS, PhD

Depression in older adults who live in long term care facilities has been found to be as high as 50% (Ellen, 2001; Tueth, 1994).  It is the most common mood disorder of late life (Butler & Lewis, 1995).  It commonly goes diagnosed and the result is people are left untreated (Devanand et al., 1994; Teresi et al., 2001). Diagnosing depression in older adults can be difficult because often times the exhibit non-specific somatic complaints rather than DSM-IV classified symptoms of depressed mood (Gallo & Rabins, 1999; Waintraub, 1998).  Minor depression often leads to becoming a chronic illness and not part of the normal aging process (Lammer & Ham, 1997).  Depression is associated with side effects of medications and medical conditions like cerebral vascular accidents, Parkinson's disease or heart diseases.

Study information obtained from healingrides.com

To learn more, click the pdf link to the study here: 

"Wheelchair Biking for the
Treatment of Depression"
Research PDF

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