Aerobic training to improve brain blood flow, thinking, and walking in Parkinson's
Official title: Effects of Aerobic Training on Cerebrovascular Function, Cognitive Performance and Gait Parameters in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Nove de Julho · NCT07478146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise program improves cerebral blood flow, cognition, and gait in people with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nove de Julho Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07478146 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease at Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3 who can walk independently, have a MoCA score ≥ 18, are on stable antiparkinsonian medication, and have medical clearance for moderate-intensity exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with more advanced disease (Hoehn & Yahr >3), significant cognitive impairment (MoCA < 18), contraindications to exercise, recent medication changes, or who cannot attend supervised in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, parallel-group trial that will assign 40 people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease to either a 12-week supervised aerobic training program (three sessions per week) or usual care. Before and after the intervention the study will measure cerebrovascular function (neurovascular coupling, cerebrovascular reactivity, dynamic autoregulation, and exercise-related cerebral blood flow), peripheral and cardiovascular markers (flow-mediated dilation, carotid thickness, VO2peak, heart rate variability), cognitive tests (MoCA, Trail Making, Stroop), gait biomechanics, non-motor symptoms, sleep, mood, and body composition. The design uses 1:1 block randomization and in-person physiological and biomechanical testing including transcranial Doppler and 3D motion capture. Safety includes medical clearance for moderate-intensity exercise and monitoring for contraindications or medication changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve brain blood flow, thinking, walking, and overall quality of life for people with early-to-mid Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior aerobic exercise studies in Parkinson's have generally shown benefits for motor symptoms, cardiovascular fitness, and some cognitive outcomes, but detailed effects on cerebrovascular function are less well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease * Hoehn \& Yahr stages 1-3 * Stable antiparkinsonian medication for at least 4 weeks * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 18 * Ability to walk independently (with or without assistive device) * Medical clearance for participation in moderate-intensity exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Change in medication * Contraindication to exercise
Where it's running
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Associação Brasil Parkinson
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Raphael M Ritti-Dias, PhD — University of Nove de Julho
- Study coordinator: Raphael M Ritti-Dias, PhD
- Email: raphaelritti@gmail.com
- Phone: +5519999406878
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.