Increase walking endurance through exercise
- Trial ID
- NCT06088355
- Official Title
- Moderate Versus High Volume Light-Moderate Intensity Exercise for People With Moderate Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Increase walking endurance through exercise
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 123 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorders, Neurodegeneration
- Interventions
- HV-PDAE: High Volume Partnered Dance Aerobic Exercise, MV-PDAE: Moderate Volume Partnered Dance Aerobic Exercise, MV-WALK: Moderate Volume Walking
Summary For Families
The goal is to see whether higher versus moderate amounts of light-to-moderate aerobic exercise can improve walking, balance, and overall motor symptoms in people with moderate Parkinson's. Participants are randomized to high-volume partnered dance aerobic exercise, moderate-volume partnered dance, or moderate-volume walking; these programs use rhythmic, repetitive movement to raise heart rate, boost cardiovascular fitness, improve gait and balance, and may promote neuroplasticity that helps motor control. Assessments are done while people are OFF their antiparkinsonian medications to avoid dyskinesia and medication-related fluctuations, so exercise effects are measured independently; exercise does not replace levodopa but could complement its benefits. The study seeks adults 40 and older with definite Parkinson's in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 to 3, a MoCA score above 17, the ability to walk at least 10 feet, and clear benefit from PD meds, and it excludes those with serious heart disease, recent stroke or brain injury, untreated major psychiatric illness, heavy alcohol or antipsychotic use, or other conditions that make exercise unsafe.
Locations
- Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA, Decatur, Georgia, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying HV-PDAE: High Volume Partnered Dance Aerobic Exercise. The goal is to see whether higher versus moderate amounts of light-to-moderate aerobic exercise can improve walking, balance, and overall motor symptoms in people with moderate Parkinson's. Participants are randomized to high-volume partnered dance aerobic exercise, moderate-volume partnered dance, or moderate-volume walking; these programs use rhythmic, repetitive movement to raise heart rate, boost cardiovascular fitness, improve gait and balance, and may promote neuroplasticity that helps motor control. Assessments are done while people are OFF their antiparkinsonian medications to avoid dyskinesia and medication-related fluctuations, so exercise effects are measured independently; exercise does not replace levodopa but could complement its benefits. The study seeks adults 40 and older with definite Parkinson's in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 to 3, a MoCA score above 17, the ability to walk at least 10 feet, and clear benefit from PD meds, and it excludes those with serious heart disease, recent stroke or brain injury, untreated major psychiatric illness, heavy alcohol or antipsychotic use, or other conditions that make exercise unsafe.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 40 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 3 years.
- 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.