Actively Recruiting
Step Up to PD: A Community-based Walking Program for People With Parkinson's Disease
Led by St. Louis University · Updated on 2025-05-14
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the feasibility of a 6-month community walking program for people with Parkinson's disease and their care partners in the greater Saint Louis, Missouri area. The goal is to help participants increase their physical activity and social engagement by walking together using Nordic walking poles. This behavioral study aims to encourage participants to get out of their homes and connect with others who have Parkinson's disease. Participants will join weekly 60-minute group walks at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, supervised by walking group leaders from Saint Louis University. Each participant will use Nordic walking poles during the walks and wear a smartwatch to track their step counts in real-time. The program lasts at least 6 months with an optional continuation up to 12 months. Assessments are scheduled before starting, after 6 months, and after 12 months, with falls tracked for 6 months following program completion. During the study, participants will be regularly assessed for safety through tracking falls, attendance, and enrollment feasibility. Researchers will also measure daily step counts, balance, feelings of loneliness, and social connection from baseline through 6, 12, and up to 18 months. This comprehensive monitoring aims to understand the impact of the walking program on physical and social health over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Step Up to PD: A Community-based Walking Program for People With Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 30 to 85 years old
- Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a neurologist
- Able to walk independently with or without a walking aid such as a cane or walker
- Willing to participate in the study for at least 6 months
You will not qualify if you...
- Health conditions that limit exercise participation, such as heart problems, uncontrolled blood pressure, or exercise-induced asthma
- Additional neurological diseases or injuries besides Parkinson's disease
- Significant cognitive impairment as determined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
- Poor walking ability based on the Timed Up and Go Test during initial assessment
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 - At least 6 months with an optional continuation up to 12 months
Participants attend a group community walking program using Nordic walking poles at local parks once a week to promote physical and social engagement.
Weekly visits for 60-minute group walks
Duration - 6 months
Participants are monitored for falls for 6 months after completing the walking program.
Falls prospectively collected with periodic check-ins
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Integrated Health and Movement Science Laboratory, Saint Louis University
St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jason K Longhurst, DPT, PHD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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