A Multifactorial Exercise Program to Reduce Falls in People With Parkinson Disease (NCT02302144) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
A Multifactorial Exercise Program to Reduce Falls in People With Parkinson Disease
United States32 participantsStarted 2011-12
Plain-language summary
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a theoretically driven, highly challenging exercise program (balance and strengthening exercises) in reducing fall rate, improving balance and reducing fear of falling in persons with Parkinson's disease.
In this pilot, randomized, cross-over study, 32 participants with Parkinson disease will be randomly assigned to either an early start (immediately following enrollment) or late start (3 months after enrollment) multifactorial exercise program which will meet 2 times per week for 1.5 hours over 3 months. The exercise program will consist of balance and strengthening exercises which will be individualized depending on the ability of each participant. Fall rate, balance, walking ability, fear of falling, mood, anxiety, and quality of life will be measured prior to the start, at 3 months and 6 months after enrollment. Subjects will be enrolled for 6-7 months.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* have a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (using UK Brain Bank Criteria)
* have a Hoehn \& Yahr stage of 2-4 during the "ON" state
* Mini mental status score \> 26
* be 40 years of age or older, so as to represent the typical age range of PD
* be on a stable dose of Parkinson's medications for at least 2 weeks prior to study onset and during the 3 month study period.
* have experienced at least one fall in the past 3 months and greater or equal to 2 falls in the past one-year (A fall was defined as an unexpected event where the person inadvertently came to rest on the ground or other lower level not due to a major intrinsic or extrinsic event)
* able to walk without physical assistance or an assistive device for at least 5 continuous minutes
* able to understand, communicate with and be understood by recruitment personnel
* able to attend the exercise program twice per week at Sargent College
* be interested in participating and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* have a diagnosis of atypical Parkinsonism
* have a Hoehn \& Yahr stage of 1 or 5
* have had previous surgical management of PD (i.e., deep brain stimulation surgery; pallidotomy)
* serious co-morbidities that may interfere with ability to participate in an exercise program (i.e., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and neurological (other than Parkinson's))
* be pregnant
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.