Exercise Programs for Parkinson's Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how different exercise programs benefit people with Parkinson's disease, a condition affecting movement and balance. It aims to determine which types of exercise most improve mobility, endurance, and quality of life. Participants will join either a guided cycling program, a non-contact boxing routine, or a traditional physical therapy plan (standard of care). Those diagnosed with Parkinson's who can walk independently and have no history of stroke or heart attack may be suitable candidates. The goal is to identify exercise strategies that help people with Parkinson's lead healthier, more active lives. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could shape future exercise recommendations for Parkinson's patients.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants with unmanaged Parkinson's medication are excluded, suggesting that stable medication management is important.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's exercise programs are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that both guided cycling and non-contact boxing are generally safe for people with Parkinson's disease. Studies indicate that cycling can reduce symptoms by up to 35% and is well-liked by patients. For example, one review highlighted the positive effects of stationary biking on movement and body function.
Non-contact boxing is also considered safe and beneficial. In one study, 9 out of 10 participants reported that boxing improved their quality of life. Another study found that boxing helped with balance and movement issues. Both activities not only enhance safety but also improve symptoms and overall well-being for those with Parkinson's.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these exercise programs for Parkinson's Disease because they offer dynamic alternatives to traditional physical therapy. Guided cycling is unique in its use of personalized exercise intensity based on each participant's lactate threshold, which could optimize cardiovascular benefits and potentially enhance motor function. Non-contact boxing, on the other hand, incorporates agility drills and boxing activities that may uniquely improve coordination and balance in a more engaging and motivating format. Both programs aim to provide targeted benefits that go beyond standard care, offering new avenues for managing Parkinson's symptoms through innovative exercise regimens.
What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise programs could be effective for Parkinson's disease?
This trial will compare different exercise programs for Parkinson's disease. Participants in the guided cycling arm will engage in supervised cycling sessions. Studies have shown that this can significantly reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms by up to 35%, improving overall quality of life. Research indicates that cycling at a fast pace can slow the progression of movement-related symptoms over time. Meanwhile, participants in the non-contact boxing arm will take part in a structured boxing program. Non-contact boxing has improved both movement and non-movement symptoms in people with Parkinson's, aiding balance, thinking skills, and quality of life, and is considered safe and enjoyable. Both exercise programs have shown promise in helping those with Parkinson's maintain their abilities and independence.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Katherine M Reyes-Brooks, PT, DPT
Principal Investigator
University of Texas, El Paso
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who are medically stable and can safely exercise may join this study. They'll be screened for safety before being randomly assigned to different supervised exercise programs, like guided cycling, non-contact boxing, or traditional physical therapy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Testing
Initial assessments of motor function, balance, and physiological markers
Treatment
Participants engage in one of three exercise interventions: guided cycling, non-contact boxing, or traditional physical therapy
Post-intervention Testing
Assessments conducted to evaluate changes after the intervention
Washout
A rest period to observe any lasting effects of the intervention
Follow-up
Final assessments to monitor long-term effects of the exercise interventions
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Guided Cycling
- Non-Contact Boxing
- Traditional Physical Therapy Program (Standard of Care)
Trial Overview
The trial is testing how various structured exercise programs affect movement, fitness, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's. Participants will do exercises multiple times a week for 8 weeks while researchers track their motor function and health markers.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in this group will take part in a structured non-contact boxing program modeled after the Rock Steady Boxing® framework. Each 60-minute session includes warm-up, agility drills, four rounds of boxing activities (heavy bag, speed bag, mitt work, and double bag), balance circuits, and a cool-down. Sessions are led by a licensed physical therapist and certified boxing coach.
Participants in this group will complete supervised cycling sessions on a stationary ergometer twice per week for eight weeks. Exercise intensity will be based on each participant's lactate threshold, determined during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Each session includes a warm-up, a 40-minute cycling protocol alternating low, moderate, and high intensities, and a cool-down. Heart rate and perceived exertion are continuously monitored.
Participants in this group will receive standard physical therapy sessions that include aerobic, balance, strengthening, gait, and task-specific training exercises. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and is conducted twice weekly for eight weeks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Exercise intensity is set between 60-85% of maximum heart rate, monitored throughout the session.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas, El Paso
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Pedaling for Parkinson's - Davis Phinney ...
Research shows that people with Parkinson's who cycle regularly can reduce their symptoms by up to 35%. This simple, powerful program is changing lives ...
Effectiveness of a Long-Term, Home-Based Aerobic Exercise ...
Previous short duration studies have demonstrated that high-intensity aerobic exercise improves aspects of motor and non-motor function in people with Parkinson ...
Effectiveness of home-based and remotely supervised ...
Evidence from animal studies indicates that high-intensity exercise might offer relief of Parkinson motor symptoms through adaptive neuroplasticity. We ...
Parkinson's disease patients benefit from bicycling
Furthermore, our findings suggest that bicycling improves the overall quality-of-life of PD patients. Subject terms: Parkinson's disease, ...
5.
movementdisorders.org
movementdisorders.org/MDS/News/Newsroom/News-Releases_BIN/IC25-releases/Cycling-fast-to-slow-Parkinsons-High-rate-exercise-regimen-results-in-lower-rate-of-motor-symptom-progression.htmCycling fast to slow Parkinson's: High-rate exercise ...
Those prescribed the cycling regimen demonstrated a significantly lower rate of motor symptom progression at 12 months than those receiving ...
Bicycling for rehabilitation of persons with Parkinson Disease
A scoping review was conducted to examine the heterogeneous literature on stationary bicycling for PwPD to reduce motor symptoms and body function structure ( ...
Effects Of A 12-week Cycling Training Program On Clinical...
These results suggest that in patient's with mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease a cycling endurance training program 1) significantly improves the total ...
8.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/307524888_A_Tandem_Cycling_Program_Feasibility_and_Physical_Performance_Outcomes_in_People_With_Parkinson_DiseaseA Tandem Cycling Program - Parkinson's Disease
The primary outcomes will be the feasibility data (adherence, recruitment rate, and safety). The secondary outcomes will assess the ...
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