How genetics and aerobic exercise can slow down Parkinson's disease

The Interplay between Genetics and Aerobic Exercise to Slow Parkinson's disease (GEARS) Trial

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11012304

This study is looking at how doing high-energy aerobic exercise might help slow down Parkinson's disease and whether your genes play a role in this, and it's for people with Parkinson's who will join exercise programs in their communities.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012304 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and how genetics may influence these effects. The study will involve 250 individuals with PD participating in community-based exercise programs across multiple locations. By comparing the outcomes of these exercise programs, the research aims to determine if they can effectively alter disease progression and if certain genetic factors enhance these benefits. Participants will engage in supervised exercise sessions designed to maximize their aerobic fitness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are interested in participating in high-intensity aerobic exercise programs.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or those unable to participate in aerobic exercise may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective approach to slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease through community-based exercise programs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for high-intensity aerobic exercise in improving symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but this specific approach examining genetics in a community setting is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.