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Physical Activity Coaching for Parkinson's Disease (Engage-PD Trial)

Phase 1
Waitlist Available
Research Sponsored by Teachers College, Columbia University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 3 months
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a video call-based exercise coaching program for people with early to mid-stage Parkinson's disease. A therapist helps patients set exercise goals, track their progress, and stay motivated. The aim is to increase daily activity and improve overall health.

Who is the study for?
The Engage-PD trial is for people with early to mid-stage Parkinson's disease who can walk indoors and outdoors without help or devices, have passed a physical activity readiness test or got medical clearance, and have a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis. It's not for those with musculoskeletal injuries that stop them from exercising or other neurological conditions like stroke.
What is being tested?
This study tests a telehealth-delivered physical activity coaching program led by therapists. The goal is to provide personalized support to encourage exercise as part of self-management for Parkinson's patients, based on prior research in similar diseases.
What are the potential side effects?
Since the intervention involves physical activity coaching rather than medication, side effects are minimal but may include typical exercise-related issues such as muscle soreness or fatigue.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~3 months
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 3 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire
Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale
Secondary study objectives
Acceptability questionnaire (open-ended questions)
Brief Pain Inventory
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short-Form Phone version)
+4 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Physical Activity CoachingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will receive up to 5 coaching sessions by a physical or occupational therapist. The intervention will focus on facilitating physical activity engagement and development of specific and measurable goals. The recommended program will be individualized to each participant but will primarily focus on increasing general physical activity (e.g. steps per day) as well as engagement in moderate intensity aerobic exercise a minimum of three times per week. At the follow up sessions the therapist will review progress with the current exercise plan and progress and discuss barriers and facilitators for exercise engagement. Participants will have the option to use a Fitbit or other device to monitor their heart rate and physical activity during the course of the intervention period.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Physical Activity Coaching
2017
Completed Phase 2
~20

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Physical activity and exercise-based interventions for Parkinson's Disease (PD) primarily work by improving motor function, enhancing neuroplasticity, and increasing overall physical fitness. These activities help to counteract the motor symptoms of PD, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability, by promoting better muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Additionally, exercise can stimulate the release of neurotrophic factors, which support the survival and growth of neurons, potentially slowing disease progression. For PD patients, maintaining physical activity is crucial as it can improve quality of life, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments. Programs like Telehealth-Delivered Physical Activity Coaching provide structured support and individualized coaching, making it easier for patients to adhere to exercise regimens and achieve these benefits.
Feasibility and longitudinal effects of repeated participation in an annual, brief and intense exercise program in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A case report.Effectiveness of physical activity on patients with depression and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review.Effects of twelve weeks of aerobic or strength training in addition to standard care in Parkinson's disease: a controlled study.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Teachers College, Columbia UniversityLead Sponsor
26 Previous Clinical Trials
5,973 Total Patients Enrolled
Columbia UniversityOTHER
1,489 Previous Clinical Trials
2,663,863 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Physical Activity Coaching Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT04922190 — Phase 1
Parkinson's Disease Research Study Groups: Physical Activity Coaching
Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trial 2023: Physical Activity Coaching Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT04922190 — Phase 1
Physical Activity Coaching 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT04922190 — Phase 1
Parkinson's Disease Patient Testimony for trial: Trial Name: NCT04922190 — Phase 1
~18 spots leftby Dec 2025