Aerobic exercise slows Parkinson progression
- Trial ID
- NCT05854524
- Official Title
- Exploring the Biological Basis for Exercise Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Aerobic exercise slows Parkinson progression
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 90 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- Aerobic exercise
Summary For Families
Goal: to find out how moderate aerobic exercise might protect dopamine-producing brain cells in Parkinson's by triggering biological changes that support brain health. Approach: participants do 30 minutes of continuous moderate aerobic exercise with 2-3 short breaks while researchers measure blood markers and other signals, looking for increased blood flow and growth factors like BDNF, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced inflammation. The study compares people with Parkinson's to healthy adults to see which responses are disease-specific. Eligibility: adults 30 to 85, people with Parkinson's must have a neurologist diagnosis and be able to do the 30-minute exercise; anyone with major exercise risks, uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory issues, or dementia (MoCA 21 or below) is excluded, and controls must be generally healthy and able to exercise.
Locations
- Gait and Balance Laboratory, 217 Bigelow Health Sciences Building, UNLV, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Aerobic exercise. Goal: to find out how moderate aerobic exercise might protect dopamine-producing brain cells in Parkinson's by triggering biological changes that support brain health. Approach: participants do 30 minutes of continuous moderate aerobic exercise with 2-3 short breaks while researchers measure blood markers and other signals, looking for increased blood flow and growth factors like BDNF, improved mitochondrial function, and reduced inflammation. The study compares people with Parkinson's to healthy adults to see which responses are disease-specific. Eligibility: adults 30 to 85, people with Parkinson's must have a neurologist diagnosis and be able to do the 30-minute exercise; anyone with major exercise risks, uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory issues, or dementia (MoCA 21 or below) is excluded, and controls must be generally healthy and able to exercise.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 30 Years and 85 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 1 year and 9 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.