Independent walking program with or without walking poles for people with Parkinson disease
Official title: Effects of an Independent Walking Program With Walking Poles in People With Parkinson Disease
Run by East Tennessee State University · NCT07551661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether an 8-week independent walking program using walking poles helps people with Parkinson disease improve their walking compared with walking without poles.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | East Tennessee State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Johnson City, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07551661 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
English-speaking adults with a Parkinson disease diagnosis who can walk safely on their own (with or without a cane), are medically cleared for an independent walking program, and can be physically present in the USA are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with other neurological disorders, those who regularly used walking poles for exercise in the prior six months, individuals exceeding the study's weight or height limits, those unable to maintain the walking schedule, or those expecting Parkinson medication or DBS parameter changes during the intervention are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants complete baseline measurements of walking, movement, and cognition and are trained in pole use if assigned to that group. They are then asked to walk at least three times per week for eight weeks and keep a walking log, either using walking poles or not using poles depending on assignment. Objective gait and mobility tests (including instrumented walkway measures, 6-minute walk, 10-meter walk, Timed Up and Go variants, and heart rate monitoring) plus questionnaires and clinical scales are repeated after the program. The same measurements are collected again three months after the intervention ends to track durability of any changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve walking speed, gait stability, balance confidence, and possibly reduce fall risk for people with Parkinson disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller studies of Nordic or pole-assisted walking in Parkinson disease have reported improvements in gait and balance, so this approach has some preliminary supportive evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking, diagnosis of Parkinson disease, ability to walk safely and independently with or without a cane, and medically cleared to participate in an independent walking program. Participants must be physically present in the USA at the time of assessment. Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of any neurological disease other than PD (including but not limited to stroke, dementia, and multiple sclerosis; mild cognitive impairment is not excluded), regular (\>30%) use of walking poles during walking for exercise for the prior 6 months, weight of more than 320 pounds or height more than 6'4", unable to participate in walking for more than 7 consecutive days during the study period (ie, traveling, scheduled surgery), anticipated change in Parkinson-specific medication (including additions, removals, or changes in dosage) during the intervention period, a change in deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameters during the intervention.
Where it's running
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East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tiffany Salido, PT, DPT, PhD
- Email: salido@etsu.edu
- Phone: 423-439-8727
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.