Community walking program for people with Parkinson's disease
Step Up to PD: A Community-based Walking Program for People With Parkinson's Disease
This study tests a 6-month walking program for people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers to see if it helps them stay active and connected with others.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Louis University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT06859528 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program investigates the feasibility of a 6-month community walking initiative for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their care partners in the greater Saint Louis area. Participants will engage in weekly organized walking groups at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, utilizing Nordic walking poles to enhance their experience. The program aims to promote physical activity and social connectedness, with participants wearing smartwatches to track their step counts in real-time. Supervised by walking group leaders from Saint Louis University, the initiative encourages accountability and community engagement among participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 30-85 with neurologist-diagnosed Parkinson's disease who can walk independently.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment or other health issues that limit exercise participation may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance physical activity levels and social connections for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that community-based physical activity programs can improve outcomes for individuals with Parkinson's disease, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 30-85 years old * Neurologist-diagnosed Parkinson's disease * Able to walk independently with or without a walking aid (e.g., cane, walker) * Willing to participate in study for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Health diagnosis that would limit exercise participation (e.g., heart problems, uncontrolled blood pressure, exercise-induced asthma). * Additional neurologic disease or injury beyond Parkinson's disease. * Evidence of significant cognitive impairment. This will be determined by completing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment * Participants with poor walking ability (determined using the Timed Up and Go Test during initial testing).
Where this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- Integrated Health and Movement Science Laboratory, Saint Louis University — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jason K Longhurst, DPT, PHD
- Email: jason.longhurst@health.slu.edu
- Phone: 314-977-8533
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.