Community Walking Program for Parkinson's Disease

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jason K Longhurst, DPT, PHD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: St. Louis University

Disqualifiers: Heart problems, Uncontrolled blood pressure, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 months

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how a community walking program can help people with Parkinson's disease remain active and connected. Participants will join weekly group walks using Nordic walking poles at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. The goal is to enhance physical activity and social interaction among those with Parkinson's. Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's who can walk independently and are willing to commit for at least six months are well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to engage in a supportive community while contributing to valuable research on Parkinson's disease.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on a walking program, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this community walking program is safe for people with Parkinson's disease?

Research shows that community exercise programs, like the one in this study, are safe for people with Parkinson's disease. Studies have found these programs practical and well-received. For example, a group exercise program in the community proved safe, with no major negative effects reported. Another study suggested that these exercises can help improve movement, which is important for people with Parkinson’s disease. Overall, the evidence supports the safety of joining a community walking program, making it a promising choice for those seeking to increase physical activity and social interaction. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Community Walking Program for Parkinson's Disease because it offers a novel, non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms. Unlike standard treatments, which often rely on medication like levodopa to manage motor symptoms, this program encourages physical activity through group walking sessions using Nordic poles. This method aims to improve balance, mobility, and potentially reduce the risk of falls, all in a supportive community setting. By focusing on exercise and social engagement, the program offers a holistic way to enhance the quality of life for people with Parkinson's, which is a fresh direction compared to medication-based treatments.

What evidence suggests that this community walking program is effective for Parkinson's disease?

Studies have shown that Nordic walking can improve movement, balance, and walking in people with Parkinson's disease. Research indicates that walking, including Nordic walking, reduces disability and pain specific to Parkinson's, while also enhancing quality of life and increasing activity levels. One study found that walking in the community significantly improved mobility at home and in the neighborhood for those with Parkinson's. Although some findings suggest Nordic walking might not greatly change overall movement, the benefits in areas like balance and quality of life are clear. Overall, evidence supports walking as a positive activity for managing Parkinson's symptoms. Participants in this trial will attend a group community walking program using Nordic poles to further explore these benefits. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with Parkinson's Disease living in the greater Saint Louis, Missouri area. Participants should be willing to join a walking group and use Nordic walking poles. They must also agree to wear a smart watch that tracks their steps.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing to participate in study for at least 6 months

I am between 30 and 85 years old.

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a neurologist.

Exclusion Criteria

I don't have health issues that stop me from exercising.

I have a neurological condition in addition to Parkinson's disease.

Evidence of significant cognitive impairment (determined by completing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a community-based walking program using Nordic walking poles for 6 months

6 months

Weekly group walks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including fall reporting

6 months

Extension

Optional continuation of the walking program for an additional 6 months

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Community Walking Program

Trial Overview

The study tests a 6-month community-based walking program at the Missouri Botanical Gardens for those with Parkinson's and their care partners. It includes weekly walks led by Saint Louis University staff, using Nordic poles, aiming to increase physical and social activity.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Attend group community walking program for 60 minutes each week Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will participate in one, 60-minute group walk using Nordic poles at the Missouri Botanical Gardens for at least 6 months, with an optional continuation upto 12 months. Participants will be assessed before the program begins, after 6-months, and after 12 months. Falls will be prospectively collected for 6 months following completion of the program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

St. Louis University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

197

Recruited

41,400+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A community-based group exercise program for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) was found to be safe and feasible, with no reported injuries and moderate to high attendance rates (73%).

Participants showed significant improvements in grip strength and the 6-Minute Walk test after 10 weeks, indicating that such programs can be effective in enhancing certain physical functions in individuals with PD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term group exercise for people with Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study. States, RA., Spierer, DK., Salem, Y.[2011]

A 12-week treadmill walking training program significantly improved walking velocity and step length in Parkinson's disease patients, indicating its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention.

The study found that Parkinson's patients showed greater improvements in walking metrics compared to community-dwelling seniors, suggesting that tailored exercise programs can be beneficial for managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training effects of a 12-week walking program on Parkinson disease patients and community-dwelling older adults. Cheng, SP., Yang, CY., Tang, FI., et al.[2019]

A Parkinson's disease-specific boxing program was well-received by participants, with 81% of patients and 80% of instructors expressing high satisfaction after an initial workshop, indicating strong acceptability of the program.

After 18 months, the program successfully expanded from 10 to 40 participants, with only mild adverse effects reported, suggesting that the program is safe and beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Parkinson Patients: Using Boxing as an Example. Domingos, J., Radder, D., Riggare, S., et al.[2020]

In a study of 69 individuals with Parkinson's disease, walking activity was found to significantly contribute to mobility within the home and neighborhood (Levels 1-3), indicating its importance for maintaining functional independence.

However, walking activity did not correlate with mobility beyond neighborhood limits (Levels 4-5), suggesting that increased walking does not necessarily lead to greater community mobility for those with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Are Mobile Persons With Parkinson Disease Necessarily More Active? Zajac, JA., Cavanaugh, JT., Baker, T., et al.[2023]

A study involving 20 participants with Parkinson disease showed that using a virtual exercise coach for daily walking resulted in a 100% retention rate and high satisfaction (5.6/7) over one month.

Participants demonstrated significant improvements in mobility, with increased gait speed and performance on the 6-minute walk test, while no adverse events were reported, indicating the intervention's safety and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a virtual exercise coach to promote walking in community-dwelling persons with Parkinson disease. Ellis, T., Latham, NK., DeAngelis, TR., et al.[2022]

Exercise is crucial for improving the progression of Parkinson's disease, yet many individuals with PD are not physically active, highlighting a gap in healthcare delivery.

The community-based participatory research (CBPR) model engages people with PD as co-researchers to develop and implement exercise programs, which could enhance participation and effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting exercise in Parkinson's disease through community-based participatory research. Hirsch, MA., Iyer, SS., Englert, D., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 24 participants with Parkinson's disease, none achieved the exercise dosage needed for optimal management of their condition, although 60% met the minimum dosage to prevent disuse deconditioning.

There was a mismatch between the goals of participants and instructors in community-based exercise programs, suggesting that these programs could be improved by better aligning exercise intensity with participant objectives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The need for mapping personal goals to exercise dosage in community-based exercise programs for people with Parkinson's disease. Amateis, AL., Boesel, CL., Ehnert, BP., et al.[2020]

Community exercise programs can enhance both motor and non-motor functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease, promoting active health management.

There is a need for more research on the long-term benefits, safety, and effective implementation of these exercise programs to optimize their use in personalized treatment plans for Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community Exercise: A New Tool for Personalized Parkinson's Care or Just an Addition to Formal Care? Domingos, J., Dean, J., Fernandes, JB., et al.[2022]

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