Actively Recruiting
Effects of Aerobic Training on Cerebrovascular Function, Cognitive Performance and Gait Parameters in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Raphael Mendes Ritti Dias · Updated on 2026-04-13
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of a 12-week supervised aerobic training program on various health aspects in patients with Parkinson's disease, specifically those in Hoehn & Yahr stages 1 to 3. This randomized controlled trial aims to study changes in cerebrovascular function, peripheral vascular health, cardiovascular autonomic control, cognition, non-motor symptoms, sleep, mood, gait biomechanics, quality of life, and body composition. Participants will be randomly assigned to either aerobic training or usual care to compare these effects. The trial includes two groups: an Aerobic Training Group and a Control Group receiving usual care. Those in the aerobic group will perform supervised exercise on a cycle ergometer three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes at a perceived exertion level of 12-13 on the Borg scale. The control group will continue their usual clinical care and daily activities without a structured exercise program. All sessions will take place while participants are in their "on" medication state. Participants will undergo detailed assessments before and after the 12-week intervention. These include measures of cerebrovascular function using various techniques, peripheral and cardiovascular function tests, cognitive performance tests, gait analysis with 3D motion capture, and evaluations of clinical and non-motor symptoms such as sleep and mood. Body composition will be assessed using ultrasound. Researchers will monitor changes in these areas, including cerebrovascular reactivity and neurovascular coupling, to understand the intervention's impact. The study will continue until the end of 2027.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brief Title: Aerobic Training on Cerebrovascular Function, Cognition and Gait in Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
- Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-3
- Stable antiparkinsonian medication for at least 4 weeks
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score 65 18
- Ability to walk independently (with or without assistive device)
- Medical clearance for participation in moderate-intensity exercise
You will not qualify if you...
- Change in medication
- Contraindication to exercise
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants in the aerobic training group perform supervised aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group continue their usual clinical care without structured exercise.
3 sessions per week
Duration - Immediately after 12-week treatment
Participants undergo post-intervention assessments to evaluate changes in cerebrovascular function, cognitive performance, gait parameters, clinical symptoms, and body composition.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Associação Brasil Parkinson
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 04142-092
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Raphael M Ritti-Dias, PhD
H
Hélcio Kanegusuku, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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