Improving turning ability in people with Parkinson's Disease

Mobility in Daily Life and Falls in Parkinson's Disease: Potential for Rehabilitation

Not applicable Interventional Oregon Health and Science University · NCT04897256

This study is testing a special exercise program to see if it can help people with Parkinson's Disease turn better in their daily lives.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages55 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorOregon Health and Science University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT04897256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the TURN-IT exercise program designed to enhance turning quality in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Participants will be randomized into either a TURN-IT group, which involves tailored exercises addressing specific physical constraints, or a No-Intervention Control group over a 6-week period. The study will assess changes in turning ability and daily-life turning quality measures, such as the number of steps to turn and turn velocity. The findings will help determine the feasibility of a larger clinical trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 55-85 with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease, experiencing falls, and responsive to levodopa.

Not a fit: Patients with major musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, or those unable to participate in exercise due to health conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the turning ability and overall mobility of patients with Parkinson's Disease, potentially reducing fall risk.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar interventions targeting mobility in Parkinson's Disease have shown promise in improving patient outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of idiopathic PD from movement disorders neurologist with the United Kingdom Brain Bank criteria of bradykinesia with 1 or more of the following - rest tremor, rigidity, and balance problems not from visual, vestibular, cerebellar or proprioceptive conditions
2. Responsive to levodopa
3. Hoehn \& Yahr stages II-IV
4. Age range 55-85 years old
5. self-report of one or more falls in past 12 months
6. willing and able to attend exercise intervention sessions at OHSU campus, and also refrain from changes in anti-parkinson medications and exercise levels.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Major musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, structural brain disease, epilepsy, acute illness or health history, other than PD
2. no medical condition that precludes exercise
3. MoCA ≤ 21 or inability to follow directions
4. excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs
5. recent change in medication
6. inability to stand and walk for 2 minutes without an assistive device

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

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 Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.