Enhance Parkinsons cognition via exercise
- Trial ID
- NCT06580977
- Official Title
- Exploring the Effects of Exercise on Memory and Cognition in Parkinson´s Disease
- Goal
- Enhance Parkinsons cognition via exercise
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Heidelberg University
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 60 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- cardiovascular training, stretching
Summary For Families
They want to know whether regular aerobic cardiovascular exercise can improve memory and other thinking skills that often decline in Parkinson's. Participants will do a supervised aerobic training program or a stretching program as a low-intensity comparison; the aerobic work raises heart rate to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery and to stimulate brain-supporting factors like BDNF that help learning and memory. Exercise does not directly change how levodopa works, so it is meant to complement existing medications rather than replace them. Looking for people aged 50 to 80 with Parkinson's at Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 or lower who can stand and walk 10 meters, are naive to the memory tests, have only mild or no cognitive impairment (MoCA 21+), no deep brain stimulation, no major psychiatric or other conditions that would interfere, and who are not already doing high levels of cardiovascular exercise.
Locations
- Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying cardiovascular training. They want to know whether regular aerobic cardiovascular exercise can improve memory and other thinking skills that often decline in Parkinson's. Participants will do a supervised aerobic training program or a stretching program as a low-intensity comparison; the aerobic work raises heart rate to increase blood flow and oxygen delivery and to stimulate brain-supporting factors like BDNF that help learning and memory. Exercise does not directly change how levodopa works, so it is meant to complement existing medications rather than replace them. Looking for people aged 50 to 80 with Parkinson's at Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 or lower who can stand and walk 10 meters, are naive to the memory tests, have only mild or no cognitive impairment (MoCA 21+), no deep brain stimulation, no major psychiatric or other conditions that would interfere, and who are not already doing high levels of cardiovascular exercise.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 50 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 2 years 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.