Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 50Years +
All Genders
ID07221266

Changes in Motor Function, Quality of Life, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Physiological Markers in People With Parkinson's Disease Following Different Exercise Interventions

Led by University of Texas, El Paso · Updated on 2026-05-08

45

Participants Needed

2

Research Sites

4 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different structured exercise programs impact movement, fitness, and overall health in adults with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition affecting movement, balance, and quality of life. This study aims to compare various exercise types to see which best improve motor function, endurance, and physiological health markers in people living with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups: guided cycling, non-contact boxing, or traditional physical therapy. Each group will participate in supervised exercise sessions twice a week for eight weeks. The cycling group uses stationary bikes with intensity based on individual fitness testing. The boxing group engages in rhythmical, task-specific boxing movements and agility drills. The physical therapy group follows standard rehabilitation exercises including aerobic, balance, and strength training. All sessions include warm-up, exercise, and cool-down, and are led by licensed physical therapists. During the study, movement, balance, walking speed, and quality of life will be assessed at the start, after eight weeks of exercise, and again after a four-week rest period. Blood samples will be taken at these times to analyze markers of cardiovascular health and inflammation. Exercise intensity and safety will be monitored throughout. The total participation lasts about 15 weeks, allowing researchers to understand both immediate and lasting effects of the exercise programs.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Changes in Movement, Fitness, and Quality of Life in People With Parkinson's Disease After Different Exercise Programs

Who Can Participate

Age: 50Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
  • Ability to walk independently
  • Hoehn and Yahr stage 1 to 3
  • Age 50 years or older
  • Ability to speak English or Spanish
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • History of stroke
  • History of heart attack
  • Inability to walk independently
  • Hoehn and Yahr stage 4 or 5
  • Osteoporosis
  • Unmanaged Parkinson's medication

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Duration - 1 week

Participants complete baseline testing to assess motor function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life before starting the exercise program.

1 baseline visit (in-person)

Outpatient Exercise Intervention

Duration - 8 weeks

Participants engage in supervised exercise sessions twice weekly for eight weeks, including guided cycling, non-contact boxing, or traditional physical therapy, depending on their assigned group. Each session lasts about 60 minutes and includes warm-up, exercise activities, and cool-down under therapist supervision.

Twice weekly sessions for 8 weeks (approximately 16 sessions)

Post-Intervention Testing

Duration - 1 week

Participants undergo testing immediately after completing the exercise program to evaluate changes in motor function, fitness, and quality of life.

1 post-intervention visit (in-person)

Washout Period

Duration - 4 weeks

Participants have a four-week rest period without structured exercise to assess short-term retention of exercise-related adaptations.

No scheduled visits

Final Follow-up Testing

Duration - 1 week

Participants complete final assessments to evaluate lasting effects of the exercise interventions after the rest period.

1 follow-up visit (in-person)

Trial Site Locations

Total: 2 locations

1

University of Texas at El Paso Doctor of Physical Therapy and Movement Sciences Building

El Paso, Texas, United States, 79902

Actively Recruiting

2

Move Therapy Services

El Paso, Texas, United States, 79935

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

K

Katherine M Reyes-Brooks, PT, DPT

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

NONE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

3

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Published Research Related To This Trial

High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock Steady Boxing in Parkinson's disease: results of a large-scale survey.

Danielle Larson, Chen Yeh, Miriam Rafferty...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34498995

Flow-mediated dilation is associated with endothelial oxidative stress in human venous endothelial cells.

Alvaro N Gurovich, Joseph C Avery, Nicholas B Holtgrieve...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24916471

Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association.

Jacqueline A Osborne, Rachel Botkin, Cristina Colon-Semenza...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34963139

Correction to: Osborne JA, Botkin R, Colon-Semenza C, et al. Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association. Phys Ther. 2022;102:pzab302. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzab302.

Jacqueline A Osborne, Rachel Botkin, Cristina Colon-Semenza...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36029042