High-Intensity Interval Training for Parkinson's Disease

(PD HIIT Trial)

Overseen By Ron Walser, PT, DPT

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Disqualifiers: Stroke, Dementia, Multiple sclerosis, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 8 weeks

64 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether adding arm and hand exercises to leg exercises can improve balance, reaction time, and overall quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. Participants will attend 8 high-intensity exercise classes, with one group focusing on leg exercises and another group doing both leg and arm exercises. The study is ideal for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's who can walk independently and have medical clearance for exercise. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance exercise regimens for Parkinson's patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that a major change in medication during the study period is not allowed. It's best to discuss your current medications with the study team.

What prior data suggests that this high-intensity interval circuit training is safe for people with Parkinson's disease?

Studies have shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is generally safe and well-tolerated for people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. Research indicates that individuals can perform this exercise safely both at home and under supervision. Reports of serious side effects from HIIT are not significant, and participants often experience benefits such as improved fitness and movement. While individual experiences may vary, evidence suggests that many people can safely engage in HIIT and achieve positive results. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about high-intensity interval circuit training for Parkinson's Disease because it offers a fresh approach to managing symptoms. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or physical therapy, these exercises focus on either just the lower body or both the lower and upper body, providing a comprehensive workout. This method could improve mobility and strength more effectively by targeting multiple muscle groups in a dynamic way. By integrating high-intensity intervals, it could also boost overall cardiovascular health, potentially leading to better quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's.

What evidence suggests that high-intensity interval circuit training might be effective for Parkinson's disease?

Research has shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can benefit people with Parkinson's disease. Studies have found that HIIT may improve both movement-related and other symptoms, aiding in better movement and overall well-being. One study discovered that HIIT might be more effective than moderate exercises in boosting muscle strength and function in people with Parkinson's. In this trial, one group will focus on lower extremity exercises, while another group will perform both arm and leg exercises during HIIT. Evidence suggests that doing both arm and leg exercises during HIIT could enhance these benefits, potentially leading to better balance, quicker reaction times, and an improved quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tiffany B Salido, DPT, PhD

Principal Investigator

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Parkinson's Disease who are interested in participating in an exercise program. The study will include people willing to complete 8 high-intensity circuit training classes focusing on different body parts.

Inclusion Criteria

I can walk on my own, with or without help from a device.

I have been cleared by a doctor to do moderate or hard exercise.

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't changed my medications significantly during the study period.

My diabetes is not under control.

I have unstable bones or severe osteoporosis.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Baseline assessment includes demographics, disease and fall history, and outcome measure collection

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in 8 high intensity circuit exercise classes focusing on lower and/or upper extremity training

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person)

Post-intervention Assessment

Post-intervention balance and stepping outcomes are reassessed

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

8-10 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• High-intensity Interval Circuit Training

Trial Overview The study tests whether a combination of arm and hand exercises with leg exercises can improve reaction time, balance, functional measures, gait speed, and quality of life compared to just leg exercises.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Lower extremity and upper extremity exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Exercises in the circuit (8 total) will focus on the lower extremity (4) and upper extremity (4)

Group II: Lower extremity exercise Active Control 1 Intervention

Exercises in the circuit (8 total) will focus on the lower extremity (4) alone.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

11

Recruited

2,200+

Published Research Related to This Trial

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to significantly improve disease severity and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease, based on a systematic review of 15 randomized clinical trials involving 654 participants.

While HIIT demonstrated benefits in motor function and functional mobility compared to control groups, the evidence comparing HIIT to moderate intensity exercise remains limited and shows variability among studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and effect of high-intensity training on the progression of motor symptoms in adult individuals with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sena, IG., Costa, AVD., Santos, IKD., et al.[2023]

A 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program significantly reduced inflammation markers, such as TNF-α, and improved antioxidant capacity in the serum of 28 Parkinson's disease patients, suggesting potential benefits for managing the disease.

The study also found a decrease in neutrophil levels and ratios, alongside an increase in the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, indicating that HIIT may help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease by enhancing the body's inflammatory response and antioxidant defenses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-intensity interval training modulates inflammatory response in Parkinson's disease. Malczynska-Sims, P., Chalimoniuk, M., Wronski, Z., et al.[2022]

Resistance training (RT) and endurance training (ET) are safe and feasible exercise modalities for people with Parkinson's disease, showing significant benefits in muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life based on a review of 33 new randomized controlled trials.

RT demonstrated a strong positive impact on muscle strength (SMD = 0.83) and functional capacity, while ET improved cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD = 0.27) and also showed potential benefits for functional outcomes, indicating that both types of exercise can be effective adjunct therapies for managing Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parkinson's disease and intensive exercise therapy - An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Gamborg, M., Hvid, LG., Dalgas, U., et al.[2022]

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is feasible and safe for people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease, with 90-100% program completion reported in studies lasting up to 12 weeks.

HIIT significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak/max) and may enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and motor symptoms, although it did not show superior effects compared to moderate-intensity continuous exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The feasibility, safety, physiological and clinical effects of high-intensity interval training for people with Parkinson's: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Harpham, C., Gunn, H., Marsden, J., et al.[2023]

A study involving four participants with Parkinson's disease compared the effects of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to continuous aerobic exercise, aiming to assess improvements in both motor and non-motor symptoms.

The research also aimed to explore the relationship between exercise types and changes in blood biomarkers related to neuroplasticity and neurodegeneration, which could provide insights into potential disease-modifying effects of HIIT.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

High-Intensity Interval Cycle Ergometer Training in Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for Identifying Individual Response Patterns Using a Single-Subject Research Design. van Wegen, EEH., Hirsch, MA., van de Berg, WDJ., et al.[2020]

In a study involving 14 individuals with Parkinson's disease, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) significantly improved cognitive functions such as attention and immediate auditory memory compared to a control session, while moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) also enhanced immediate auditory memory.

The results indicate that the intensity of aerobic exercise plays a crucial role in its effectiveness on cognitive performance, with HIIT providing greater cognitive benefits than MICT.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Differential Acute Effect of High-Intensity Interval or Continuous Moderate Exercise on Cognition in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease. Fiorelli, CM., Ciolac, EG., Simieli, L., et al.[2020]

The FIGHT-PD study demonstrated that a 15-week boxing training program for 10 participants with early-stage Parkinson's disease was highly feasible, with a 97.7% adherence rate and no withdrawals, indicating strong participant engagement and safety.

Nine out of ten participants showed improvement in their motor scores on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), suggesting that boxing training may be an effective intervention for enhancing motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FIGHT-PD: A feasibility study of periodized boxing training for Parkinson disease. Blacker, DJ., Fazio, R., Tucak, C., et al.[2023]

The high-intensity multimodal exercise boot camp (HIBC) was found to be feasible and safe for individuals with Parkinson's disease, with no significant differences in adverse events compared to a usual care, low-intensity exercise program.

Participants in the HIBC showed significant improvements in 7 out of 31 measured outcomes related to balance, motor activity, and quality of life, compared to only 3 improvements in the usual care group, suggesting that high-intensity exercise may offer greater benefits for people with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A High-Intensity Exercise Boot Camp for Persons With Parkinson Disease: A Phase II, Pragmatic, Randomized Clinical Trial of Feasibility, Safety, Signal of Efficacy, and Disease Mechanisms. Landers, MR., Navalta, JW., Murtishaw, AS., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37898016/

Effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate ... This study suggests that HIIT may be superior to MICT in improving sarcopenia in patients with PD. Further large-scale investigations are required to ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135380202300980X

Effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate ... This study suggests that HIIT may be superior to MICT in improving sarcopenia in patients with PD. Further large-scale investigations are required to confirm ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06576817

High-intensity Interval Circuit Training in People With ... High-intensity Interval Circuit Training in People With Parkinson Disease ... circuit exercises over an 8-class training series in people with Parkinson disease.

4. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293357

Feasibility and effect of high-intensity training on the ... The results showed that high-intensity exercise compared with moderate intensity exercise group showed a improve motor function and functional ...

5. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/acsm-tj/fulltext/2025/10170/effects_of_arm_and_leg_high_intensity_interval.6.aspx

Effects of Arm and Leg High-Intensity Interval Training on... High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has demonstrated potential for improving both motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36607555/

The feasibility, safety, physiological and clinical effects of ... Conclusion: Up to 12 weeks of supervised HIIT appears to be feasible and safe for some people with mild-to-moderate disease severity. HIIT ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10772299/

Home‐based high‐intensity interval training for people with ... HIIT has been found to be feasible and safe for some PwP and can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, motor symptoms, and levels of brain‐derived ...

8. journals.physiology.org journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00219.2024?doi=10.1152/japplphysiol.00219.2024

High-intensity interval versus moderate ... In participants with PD, HIIT and MICT both increased V̇o2peak and led to improvements in motor symptoms and perceived fatigue; HIIT may offer the potential for ...