Effects of exercise on memory and cognition in Parkinson's disease
Exploring the Effects of Exercise on Memory and Cognition in Parkinson´s Disease
This study is testing if doing regular cardio exercise can help improve memory and thinking skills in people with Parkinson's disease compared to just stretching.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Heidelberg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06580977 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how cardiovascular training impacts memory formation and cognitive function in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a cardiovascular training group or a stretching control group for twelve weeks, with sessions held three times a week. The primary focus is to determine if moderate-intensity cardiovascular training enhances procedural memory compared to stretching. Secondary outcomes will assess various cognitive functions, cardiorespiratory fitness, sleep quality, and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the blood.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 to 80 with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease who can walk independently.
Not a fit: Patients with atypical Parkinsonism or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive function and memory in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of exercise on cognitive function, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed Parkinson's disease * Disease stage ≤3 on the Hoehn \& Yahr scale * Age ranging from 50 - 80 years * Naive to the memory tasks (primary outcomes) * Ability to stand and walk at least 10 meters independently Exclusion Criteria: * Atypical Parkinsonism * Significant level of cognitive impairment (i.e., Montreal Cognitive Assessment \<21) * Deep brain stimulation or brain pacemaker * Diagnosed psychiatric illness * Known clinically relevant neurological, internal or orthopedic conditions besides Parkinsonism that would interfere with the exercise paradigm * Exceeding the recommended level of cardiovascular exercise for older adults (i.e., cardiovascular exercise done ≥150 min per week of moderate-intensity or ≥75 min per week of vigorous-intensity)
Where this trial is running
Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg
- Heidelberg University — Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Simon Steib, Prof. Dr. — Heidelberg University
- Study coordinator: Simon Steib, Prof. Dr.
- Email: simon.steib@issw.uni-heidelberg.de
- Phone: +49 6221/544643
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.