How aerobic exercise (forced vs voluntary cycling) affects movement, thinking, and brain signals in people with Parkinson’s and deep brain stimulation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this Phase 2 trial, adults with Parkinson’s disease who have bilateral DBS are assigned to either a forced cycling program or a voluntary cycling program over eight weeks, with an initial delayed-start control period. Researchers will measure motor symptoms, cognitive performance, and brain activity using cortical EEG and DBS device recordings at multiple time points before, after the exercise period, and four weeks later. The goal is to understand the neural mechanisms by which aerobic exercise may benefit people with advanced PD and DBS, to inform personalized exercise strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
* Previous placement of bilateral Medtronic Percept DBS as standard of care treatment for PD
* Clinically optimized DBS parameters for one month prior to enrollment
* Ability to ambulate with or without an assistive device for 5 continuous minutes
* Willingness to withhold antiparkinsonian medication and DBS stimulation for outcomes assessments
* Medical clearance for moderate-high intensity exercise given by treating physician or physician extender

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurocognitive impairment that compromises the ability to provide informed consent
* Neurological disease other than Parkinson's disease (i.e. multiple sclerosis, stroke)
* A musculoskeletal issue (arthritis, osteoporosis, back problem) that would limit one's ability to engage in exercise
* Current cardiac arrhythmia

Where it's running

• Cleveland Clinic
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jay L Alberts, PhD — The Cleveland Clinic
• Study coordinator: MacKenzie Dunlap
• Email: dunlapm4@ccf.org
• Phone: 216-219-3949

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.