40 Participants Needed

Walking Program for Parkinson's Disease

(ActivatePD Trial)

TB
Overseen ByTiffany B Salido, DPT, PhD
Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

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 does require that there are no changes in Parkinson medication that affect Levodopa levels during the study period.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Independent Walking Program using Walking Poles for Parkinson's Disease?

Research shows that Nordic Walking, which involves using poles, can improve walking ability, balance, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease. Studies found that this type of walking program can be as effective as standard rehabilitation methods.12345

Is the Walking Program for Parkinson's Disease safe?

Research on Nordic Walking, a similar walking program, shows it is generally safe for people with Parkinson's Disease, with no reported adverse effects in studies.25678

How does the Walking Program for Parkinson's Disease differ from other treatments?

The Walking Program for Parkinson's Disease, which includes an Independent Walking Program using Walking Poles, is unique because it incorporates Nordic Walking, a form of exercise that uses poles to engage the upper body, improving gait quality and balance more effectively than standard rehabilitation. This approach is cost-effective and enhances physical mobility and quality of life in Parkinson's patients.246910

What is the purpose of this trial?

* Study Purpose: The purpose of the study is to compare changes in activity levels and walking in people with Parkinson disease after an 8-week independent walking program with or without using walking poles.* Major parts of the Study:Before the walking program: You will wear an activity sensor on your upper leg for one week to track activity levels. Measurements will be taken of you while you are walking. If you are placed in the walking pole group, you will be trained on how to use walking poles.Independent walking program: You will be asked to walk at least 3 times each week for 8 weeks and keep a log of your walking. If you are in the walking pole group, you will walk with the poles.After the walking program: Your walking measurements will be collected as before the walking program. You will wear an activity sensor for one week.

Research Team

TS

Tiffany Salido, DPT, PhD

Principal Investigator

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Parkinson's Disease who are able to walk independently. Participants will be involved in an 8-week walking program and must commit to walking at least three times a week. They should also be willing to wear an activity sensor and keep a log of their walking.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
I can walk on my own, with or without a cane.
I am medically cleared to walk on my own.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Use of walking poles during walking for exercise more than 4 times during the last year (hiking with poles permitted)
Allergy to medical-grade adhesive
I have Parkinson's but no other neurological diseases like stroke or MS.
See 3 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo baseline assessments and are assigned to study groups

1 week
2 visits (in-person)

Independent Walking Program

Participants engage in an 8-week walking program with or without walking poles

8 weeks
Weekly check-ins via email or phone

Post-Intervention Assessment

Participants' walking measurements and activity levels are reassessed

1 week
2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are contacted to complete questionnaires and report on walking activities

3 months
Contact via email or phone

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Independent Walking Program using Walking Poles
  • Independent Walking Program without Walking Poles
Trial Overview The study aims to see if using walking poles affects activity levels and improves walking in people with Parkinson's over an 8-week period, compared to those not using poles. It involves pre- and post-program assessments, including wearing an activity sensor.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Walking PolesExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants who will be using walking poles
Group II: No Walking PolesActive Control1 Intervention
Participants who will not be using walking poles

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials
11
Recruited
2,200+

Findings from Research

A 6-week Nordic Walking (NW) program significantly improved motor function in Parkinson's disease patients more than standard rehabilitation, with a greater reduction in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores (8.5 vs. 6.0 points).
NW also enhanced gait quality and balance control, showing improvements in the Dynamic Gait Index and quality of life, as measured by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, indicating it is an effective and cost-effective alternative to traditional rehabilitation methods.
Effectiveness of 6-Week Nordic Walking Training on Functional Performance, Gait Quality, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease.Szefler-Derela, J., Arkuszewski, M., Knapik, A., et al.[2021]
A review of nine studies, including four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 127 Parkinson's disease patients, indicated that Nordic Walking may have beneficial effects on motor and non-motor symptoms, although the evidence is not definitive due to study limitations.
The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in the UPDRS-3 score, but the change was less than 1 point, which is not considered clinically meaningful, highlighting the need for larger, well-designed RCTs to better assess the efficacy of Nordic Walking in Parkinson's disease.
Walking on four limbs: A systematic review of Nordic Walking in Parkinson disease.Bombieri, F., Schena, F., Pellegrini, B., et al.[2018]
A 6-week study involving 12 participants with Parkinson's disease showed that Nordic walking (NW) significantly improved knee power and gait patterns compared to walking without poles.
Participants using NW exhibited longer stride lengths and increased single support time, indicating that this activity could help individuals with Parkinson's disease achieve a more functional and stable walking pattern.
Nordic Walking Improves Gait Power Profiles at the Knee Joint in Parkinson's Disease.Zhou, L., Gougeon, MA., Nantel, J.[2019]

References

Polestriding Intervention Improves Gait and Axial Symptoms in Mild to Moderate Parkinson Disease. [2018]
Effectiveness of 6-Week Nordic Walking Training on Functional Performance, Gait Quality, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease. [2021]
Changes in motor performance in persons with Parkinson's disease after exercise in a mountain area. [2019]
Walking function determinants in parkinson patients undergoing rehabilitation. [2022]
Walking on four limbs: A systematic review of Nordic Walking in Parkinson disease. [2018]
Nordic Walking Improves Gait Power Profiles at the Knee Joint in Parkinson's Disease. [2019]
Nordic walking improves mobility in Parkinson's disease. [2022]
Are Mobile Persons With Parkinson Disease Necessarily More Active? [2023]
[Effects of aquatic physical exercise on the kinematic gait pattern in patients with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study]. [2013]
A walking support/evaluation machine for patients with parkinsonism. [2019]
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