Exploring the Effects of Exercise on Memory and Cognition in Parkinson´s Disease (NCT06580977) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Exploring the Effects of Exercise on Memory and Cognition in Parkinson´s Disease
Germany60 participantsStarted 2024-02-27
Plain-language summary
The study aims to assess the effects of cardiovascular (aerobic) training on memory formation and cognitive function in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups either performing cardiovascular training (experimental group) or stretching (control group) for twelve weeks, three times a week. The primary aim is to examine whether moderate-intense cardiovascular training (MICT) improves procedural memory formation (primary outcome) compared to stretching. Secondary outcomes include episodic memory formation, cognitive function, cardiorespiratory fitness, sleep quality, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) blood concentration levels.
Who can participate
Age range
50 Years – 80 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:
* Diagnosed Parkinson's disease
* Disease stage ≤3 on the Hoehn \& Yahr scale
* Age ranging from 50 - 80 years
* Naive to the memory tasks (primary outcomes)
* Ability to stand and walk at least 10 meters independently
Exclusion Criteria:
* Atypical Parkinsonism
* Significant level of cognitive impairment (i.e., Montreal Cognitive Assessment \<21)
* Deep brain stimulation or brain pacemaker
* Diagnosed psychiatric illness
* Known clinically relevant neurological, internal or orthopedic conditions besides Parkinsonism that would interfere with the exercise paradigm
* Exceeding the recommended level of cardiovascular exercise for older adults (i.e., cardiovascular exercise done ≥150 min per week of moderate-intensity or ≥75 min per week of vigorous-intensity)
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.
What they're measuring
1
Non-declarative, procedural memory (motor sequence learning) global learning score - Visuomotor Serial Targeting Task (VSTT)
Timeframe: Week 1-2: pre-assessment (baseline within two weeks before intervention), Week 15-16: post-assessment (within two weeks after intervention)