Boost brain energetics using exercise
- Trial ID
- NCT04426786
- Official Title
- The Effect of Exercise on Brain Energetics in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Boost brain energetics using exercise
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 40 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- Active exercise, Passive exercise
Summary For Families
The goal is to see whether regular exercise can boost brain energy metabolism in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's, which might help movement and thinking by improving how brain cells make and use energy. Participants do either active exercise, a supervised aerobic program meant to raise heart rate, increase blood flow, and stimulate mitochondrial energy production in the brain, or passive exercise where limbs are moved without active exertion, and changes in brain energetics are tracked with MRI and other tests; the program includes about 72 classes with a goal of completing at least 60. The trial is looking for people aged 40 to 80 with idiopathic Parkinson's at Hoehn and Yahr stages I to III who currently exercise less than 120 minutes per week, can tolerate being off Parkinson's meds for up to 24 hours, are medically cleared for aerobic testing, and do not have major medical, psychiatric, or MRI contraindications.
Locations
- Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Active exercise. The goal is to see whether regular exercise can boost brain energy metabolism in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's, which might help movement and thinking by improving how brain cells make and use energy. Participants do either active exercise, a supervised aerobic program meant to raise heart rate, increase blood flow, and stimulate mitochondrial energy production in the brain, or passive exercise where limbs are moved without active exertion, and changes in brain energetics are tracked with MRI and other tests; the program includes about 72 classes with a goal of completing at least 60. The trial is looking for people aged 40 to 80 with idiopathic Parkinson's at Hoehn and Yahr stages I to III who currently exercise less than 120 minutes per week, can tolerate being off Parkinson's meds for up to 24 hours, are medically cleared for aerobic testing, and do not have major medical, psychiatric, or MRI contraindications.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 40 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 4 years and 11 months.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.