Blood Flow Restriction and Exercise in Parkinson's Disease (NCT07221994) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Blood Flow Restriction and Exercise in Parkinson's Disease
United States3 participantsStarted 2025-11-21
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether training with blood flow restriction (BFR), combined with aerobic exercise (performing stepping on a Nu-Step exercise machine), can help improve mobility and other outcomes in people with progressed Parkinson's disease. The investigators hypothesize that training with BFR and aerobic exercise will produce enhanced outcomes related to mobility and quality of life.
BFR uses inflatable cuffs placed on participants' upper legs to gently reduce blood flow to the legs while exercising. This has been shown in studies in older adults and Parkinson's disease to improve strength while training with lighter loads, which may be helpful for people with Parkinson's.
Participants will be asked to complete 2 weekly training sessions (approximately 30 minutes each) for 8 weeks consisting of supervised aerobic stepping exercise on a Nu-step machine with BFR application during timed intervals. In addition to the training sessions, participants will be asked to periodically perform confidential surveys and tests related to function and disease symptoms, and wear a provided smartwatch (which can be kept upon successful completion of the study). All sessions involve individual monitoring and medical supervision by licensed physical therapists as well as access to all necessary equipment.
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
. Age 18+
. People with advanced Parkinson's disease. "Advanced PD" will include signs of progressed disease including orthostatic hypotension and/or motor issues reflective of postural instability and/or mild-moderate bilateral symptoms (confirmed visually in clinic or home by a medical provider such as an MD/PT and/or documented in the medical record.
. Ability of individual or legal guardian/representative to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it.
. Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (self-reported okay, documented preferred)
. Independent ambulation (≥10m with or without an assistive device)
. Commitment to participate in the exercise intervention as outlined
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
Number of Participants With Treatment-Related Adverse Events as Assessed by Custom Survey & Vitals Monitoring during & post-intervention
Timeframe: Participants will be monitored continuously during each session (vitals and response via subjective report), then each week, throughout the 8-week study intervention and 4-weeks post-intervention.
. Score of ≥21 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Exclusion criteria
. History of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure
. Ankle branchial index ≤ 0.9 or \> 1.3
. History of or comorbid conditions spanning cardiovascular, neurological, or orthopedic injuries which may prevent for the safe administration of the intervention (a healthcare provider's clearance or guidance will be obtained in these situations to ensure appropriateness), including current medications.
. History of uncontrolled diabetes, BMI \> 40, or severe cognitive impairment (as measured by MoCA \<21)
. Atypical PD diagnoses or ON PD-medication worsening of motor symptoms
. Absolute contraindications to exercise as per the American College of Sports Medicine (uncontrolled arrhythmias, third-degree heart block, recent electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or acute congestive heart failure)