Improving balance in Parkinson's disease using blood flow restriction
Blood Flow Restriction for Optimizing Balance in Parkinson's Disease
This study is testing whether using blood flow restriction during balance exercises can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their walking, balance, and endurance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06508801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) during balance-challenging strengthening exercises, known as instability resistance training (IRT), on individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be divided into two groups: one performing IRT with BFR and the other performing IRT without BFR. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes, and researchers will assess improvements in walking ability, balance, and endurance. Additionally, non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation techniques will be used to measure spinal excitability in participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 40-85 with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2-4.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or other significant neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance balance, mobility, and overall physical function in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of BFR and IRT in Parkinson's disease is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males and females between the ages 40 - 85 with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD) consistent with the United Kingdom PD society brain bank criteria, 2. in Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-4, 3. a score of ≥23 on the mini-Mental Scale Examination. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg), orthostatic hypotension, deep-vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or rhabdomyolysis; 2. Ankle branchial index ≤ 0.9 or \> 1.3. 3. History of other neurological disorders affecting the central nervous system such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscle disease such as muscular dystrophy, myopathy. 4. History of uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, or cognitive impairment. 5. Body mass index above 40; such individuals are more likely to have poorer muscle function and more pain. 6. Absolute contraindications to exercise as per the American College of Sports Medicine (uncontrolled arrhythmias, third-degree heart block, recent electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or acute congestive heart failure 7. Had surgery in the lower extremities within the past 6 months. 8. Pre-menopausal and not on birth control 9. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the course of the study 10. Plan to have major surgery within 2 months.
Where this trial is running
San Antonio, Texas
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anjali Sivaramakrishnan, PhD, PT — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Anjali Sivaramakrishnan, PhD, PT
- Email: sivaramakris@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 210-567-8626
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.