Using physical therapy to help people with Parkinson's exercise more effectively
Official title: Consultative Physical Therapy: A Physical Activity and Exercise Implementation Strategy in Parkinson's
Funded at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab · NIH-11096053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special Physical Therapy program can help people with Parkinson's disease get into a regular exercise routine, making it easier for them to stay active and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,671 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110668-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who struggle to meet recommended exercise levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who have severe mobility limitations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a Consultative Physical Therapy program can help individuals with Parkinson's disease engage in regular exercise, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and quality of life. The program aims to address common barriers to exercise, such as lack of knowledge, mobility concerns, and limited access to convenient options. By providing fewer and less frequent therapy visits focused on promoting exercise rather than just treating mobility issues, the study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in different settings. Participants will receive tailored support to initiate and maintain their exercise routines, potentially improving their overall health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability of individuals with Parkinson's to engage in regular exercise, leading to improved mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot programs have shown promise in using Consultative Physical Therapy to improve exercise adherence among individuals with Parkinson's, indicating potential for success in this larger study.
Where this research is happening
-
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rafferty, Miriam Rose — Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago D/b/a Shirley Ryan Abilitylab
- Study coordinator: Rafferty, Miriam Rose
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mHealth tool to boost physical therapy outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal pain
A mobile health app is being tested to help adults in physical therapy stay on track with home exercises and improve pain and function.
-
Improving back-pain care in rural areas with tele-physical therapy
This project tests a tele-rehabilitation program to help adults with chronic low back pain in rural communities access physical therapy and reduce opioid use.
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Embedded ED Physical Therapy for Back Pain in the Emergency Department
A dedicated physical therapist works with ED teams to help adults with back pain feel better sooner and reduce opioid use.
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Psilocybin for Chronic Back Pain: Brain Signals and Real-World Therapy Outcomes
A patient-facing study will test whether a carefully controlled psilocybin treatment can improve body awareness and enhance physical therapy outcomes for people with chronic low back pain.
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Consultative Physical Therapy to Promote Exercise in Parkinson's Disease
A program helps people with Parkinson’s start and keep up more exercise through fewer, regular guidance sessions from physical therapists.
-
Improving access to physical therapy for Hispanic patients with back and spine pain
This program will try a culturally tailored approach to help Hispanic adults with spine pain get referred to and stick with physical therapy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.