Exercise for Dystonia
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this research study is to investigate how the brain and motor behavior changes in individuals with dystonia in response to exercise training.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants should be receiving maximally tolerated doses of BoNT injections and/or oral therapy, suggesting you may continue these treatments.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) for dystonia?
Is progressive resistance training safe for humans?
Progressive resistance training (PRT) has been studied in people with Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy, and it is generally considered safe for these conditions. These studies suggest that PRT can be safely used as part of rehabilitation programs, although specific safety data for dystonia is not provided.23678
How is the treatment Progressive Resistance Exercise unique for dystonia?
Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRT) is unique because it focuses on gradually increasing the resistance or weight used during exercise, which can help improve muscle strength and function. This approach is different from other treatments for dystonia that may not specifically target muscle strength through resistance training.2391011
Research Team
Aparna Wagle Shukla, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Florida
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals aged 30-85 with moderate cervical dystonia, confirmed by a specialist. They should be able to exercise but not currently in another structured program or receiving regular therapy. Participants must not have significant pain, arthritis, cognitive impairments, implanted electrical devices, active seizures, and women of childbearing age must pass pregnancy tests.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants in the exercise group perform physical therapist-guided progressive resistance exercises twice a week for 6 months, while the control group continues standard pharmacological therapies.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments of brain effects using TMS and fMRI.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Progressive resistance exercise
- Standard of care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator