Impact of exercise on sleep in Parkinson's disease

The Effect of Different Exercise Modalities on Sleep Quality and Architecture in People With Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional McGill University · NCT04558879

This study tests whether different types of exercise can improve sleep quality for people with Parkinson's disease over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Laval, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04558879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how cardiovascular and resistance training affect sleep quality and architecture in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will engage in either type of exercise for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted at the beginning and end of the program by an assessor who is unaware of group assignments. The study aims to determine if improvements in sleep are linked to enhanced brain plasticity and quality of life. It addresses a significant issue, as nearly all individuals with Parkinson's experience sleep disturbances that can worsen their condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with mild to moderate idiopathic Parkinson's disease who experience poor sleep quality.

Not a fit: Patients with atypical parkinsonism, severe obstructive sleep apnea, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to improve sleep quality and overall quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While exercise has been proposed as a beneficial intervention for sleep issues in Parkinson's disease, this specific approach comparing cardiovascular and resistance training is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Persons with mild-moderate idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (Modified Hoehn \& Yahr Scale stages 1-3);
* On a stable dosage of medication during the previous month;
* Having poor sleep quality defined as a score \> 18 in the PDSS-2(scores above this cut-off value define clinically relevant sleep disorders);

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having atypical parkinsonism, dementia or any other neurological, psychiatric or cardiovascular comorbidity affecting the ability to perform exercise;
* Presenting severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA);
* Having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \<21
* Having a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI version 2) score \>4
* Having absolute contraindications to exercise and to undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS);
* Currently are or will be enrolled in a drug or exercise trial during the duration of the study;
* Having participated in a structured exercise program \> 2 times per week in the two months prior to the enrollment in the study

Where this trial is running

Laval, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson DiseaseParkinson's diseaseRehabilitationNeurosciencesSleepExerciseCardiovascular trainingResistance training
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.