di Francesca Conti
Physical activity, if practiced with the right precautions, represents an essential element for the well-being of people affected by cardiomyopathies. With this awareness, the Italian Cardiomyopathies Association (AICARM) has created Pedaling with the heart, a pilot project that includes a two-day e-bike tour through the enchanting Crete Senesi. The initiative aims to demonstrate how moderate physical exercise can improve the quality of life of heart patients, making movement a true ally of health.
The field test of Pedalando con il Cuore
The initiative will involve 10 participants, followed by specialized medical personnel, along a path carefully designed to ensure a safe and sustainable activity. The use of e-bike It allows you to modulate physical effort and heart rate, allowing even those suffering from heart disease to tackle otherwise prohibitive routes, overcoming physical limits and social barriers.
Physical exercise, as demonstrated by the studies of Professor D'Ascenzi - Associate Professor of Sports Cardiology at the University of Siena and collaborator of AICARM - and other experts in sports cardiology, represents a fundamental component of long-term therapy for patients affected by cardiomyopathy. Regular movement promotes the improvement of cardiovascular function, reduces the risk of complications and helps maintain a better quality of life. The integration of physical activity in the therapeutic plan can therefore have positive effects from both a physical and psychological point of view.
An additional benefit of this project is the opportunity for heart patients to practice outdoor activities together with people without heart disease, overcoming social barriers and counteracting the isolation often associated with the disease. The natural context and the group environment contribute to improving mental well-being, reducing anxiety and stress.
In addition to the health benefits, the tour represents an important opportunity for aggregation and awareness. For patients, sharing a travel experience means building a support network and facing the challenges of the disease together.
The event has an individual participation fee that will cover food, accommodation and medical care. Those who do not have their own e-bike can take advantage of a rental service. To participate, it is necessary to present a medical certificate of fitness for physical activity and, for patients with cardiomyopathy, a cardiopulmonary test. In addition, each participant must use a heart rate monitor and follow the instructions of medical staff.
This first edition of Pedalando con il cuore has first and foremost the objective of preparing a major event for September in order to involve a large number of participants and attract partners. A fundamental test to evaluate the feasibility of the route, accommodations and logistics management. This experimental phase, carried out with the support of volunteers, will allow us to collect useful data for the realization of the September ride, confirming AICARM's commitment to promoting physical activity adapted to heart patients.
Pedaling with the heart it can then be replicated in different places and on a larger scale, expanding participation and promoting a culture of physical activity adapted to the needs of those living with heart disease. It will be the collection of data and feedback from the participants of this edition that will allow AICARM to multiply and improve future editions also thanks to new institutional and private partners.
This project unites health, sport and territory, creating local development opportunities and spreading a message of hope for all heart patients: with the right precautions, movement can become a precious ally for the heart.
The route: two days in the Tuscan hills
Day 1: From Taverne d'Arbia to Buonconvento
The journey begins at Taverne d'Arbia, at the gates of Siena, for a journey of approximately 50 km which passes through breathtaking landscapes. After a short stop at the Transitional Site, the group will continue through the villages of Monteroni d'Arbia e Bishopric of Murlo, until you come to buonconvento. Here participants will have the opportunity to relax at the spa Bagno Vignoni before ending the day with a typical dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: The return through the Crete Senesi
The second day includes a journey of 40 km, with a slightly higher altitude difference than the first day. After leaving Buonconvento, the group will face a moderate climb towards Closures, a hilltop village with a spectacular view of the Crete Senesi. The route will continue through Asciano and the iconic trait of theEroica, the famous cycling race on dirt roads. The arrival is expected again in Taverne d'Arbia, with a convivial lunch at a local farm.
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