Effects of Strength and High-Intensity Training on Parkinson's Disease

Acute Effects of Strength Training in Shallow Water and Dry Land and High-intensity Training in Shallow and Deep Water, on Functional Measures and Biochemistries of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

This study tests if strength training and high-intensity workouts in water and on land can help improve movement, balance, and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Federal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul)
• Trial ID: NCT04863118 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the acute effects of strength training and high-intensity training on functional and biochemical measurements in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will engage in training both in shallow water and on dry land, as well as in deep water, to assess improvements in motor symptoms and biochemical markers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The study aims to determine how these interventions can enhance mobility, balance, and overall quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 50 to 70 diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for at least 6 months and classified on the Hoehn and Yahr scale from 1 to 3.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders, dementia, or those unable to participate in aquatic environments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new therapeutic approaches to improve motor function and biochemical health in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with physical exercise interventions in Parkinson's disease, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

GI (Individuals with Parkinson Disease):

* Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for at least 6 months;
* Age between 50 to 70 years;
* Classified on the Hoehn and Yahr scale from 1 to 3;
* Rigid-akinetic and/or tremor-dominant type;
* Individuals who have preserved their cognitive skills, assessed by means of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and who have a cut-off score of 23/24 (FOLSTEIN et al., 1975).

GC (Healthy individuals):

* Age between 50 to 70 years;
* Individuals who have preserved their cognitive skills (with the same cut-off score as the GI in the MMSE);
* Walk independently.

Exclusion Criteria:

GI (Individuals with Parkinson Disease):

* Individuals who have other associated musculoskeletal and neurological disorders;
* Individuals with dementia installed;
* Individuals with pathologies and injuries associated with the skin that make it impossible to enter the aquatic environment;
* Individuals with hydrophobia.

GC (Healthy individuals):

* Individuals who have musculoskeletal and neurological pathologies;
* Individuals with dementia installed;
* Individuals with pathologies and injuries associated with the skin that make it impossible to enter the aquatic environment;
* Individuals with hydrophobia.

Where this trial is running

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul

• Fernanda Cechetti — Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: UFCSPA FUHSPortoAlegre

Conditions Parkinson Disease and Hydrotherapy; Parkinson's disease; Physiotherapy; Hydrotherapy; Gait; Posture