A new exercise program to improve balance for people with Parkinson's disease

A Novel Balance Program to Improve Balance in People With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Control Trial

NA · New York Institute of Technology · NCT05906875

This study is testing a new exercise program that includes lateral stepping to see if it can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorNew York Institute of Technology (other)
Locations1 site (Old Westbury, New York)
Trial IDNCT05906875 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This exploratory single-blinded randomized control trial aims to evaluate the effects of a lateral stepping program integrated into a community-based exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will engage in the lateral stepping program at least twice a week for eight weeks, alongside their regular Rock Steady Boxing classes. The study will assess changes in fall risk factors, balance confidence, and fear of falling, comparing outcomes between the experimental and control groups. Feasibility will also be evaluated based on session attendance and participant satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-85 with idiopathic Parkinson's disease stages I, II, or III who are enrolled in Rock Steady Boxing at NY Tech.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular conditions, recent hip or knee surgeries, or other neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce fall risks and improve balance confidence in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific integration of lateral stepping into a community-based program is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. A diagnosis of idiopathic PD stages I, II, or III of the Hoehn and Yahr scale
2. 50-85 years inclusive
3. Subjects must be enrolled in RSB at NY Tech and attend at least 1 day per week for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the first baseline assessment
4. English speaking.
5. Stable PD medication regime.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any cardiovascular or other medical condition that would affect participation
2. Any hip and/or knee surgery or other injury that would prevent full participation in the intervention
3. Neurological conditions other than PD
4. Montreal Cognitive Assessment of ≤21
5. Pain that interferes with testing 13
6. Current participation in other strengthening, stretching or balance programs other than Rock Steady Boxing at NY Tech
7. Inability to understand and fully participate in this study

Where this trial is running

Old Westbury, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rehabilitation Exercise, Physical Therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.