Independent walking program with walking poles for people with Parkinson's disease

Effects of an Independent Walking Program With Walking Poles in People With Parkinson Disease

This study is testing if using walking poles during an 8-week walking program can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their activity levels and walking ability.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Yakima, Washington)
• Trial ID: NCT06908135 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week independent walking program on activity levels and walking ability in individuals with Parkinson's disease, comparing those who use walking poles to those who do not. Participants will wear an activity sensor to track their movement before and after the program. The study involves initial assessments, training on pole usage for the walking pole group, and follow-up measurements to assess changes in walking patterns. The goal is to determine if using walking poles enhances the benefits of walking for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who can walk independently and have received medical clearance for physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diseases or those who have used walking poles excessively in the past year may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could improve mobility and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored walking interventions, the specific use of walking poles in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of Parkinson disease,
2. ability to walk independently with or without a cane,
3. receive medical clearance to participate in an independent walking,
4. English or Spanish language proficiency at 8th grade level.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of any neurological disease other than PD (including but not limited to stroke, dementia, and multiple sclerosis; mild cognitive impairment is not excluded),
2. use of walking poles during walking for exercise more than 4 times during the last year (hiking with poles permitted),
3. weight of more than 320 lb or height more than 6'4",
4. allergy to medical-grade adhesive,
5. unable to participate in walking for more than 5 consecutive days during the study period (ie, traveling, scheduled surgery),
6. a change in Parkinson medication that affects Levodopa levels (including additions, removals, or changes in dosage) during the study period.

Where this trial is running

Yakima, Washington

• Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences — Yakima, Washington, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tiffany Salido, DPT, PhD — Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Tiffany B Salido, DPT, PhD

Conditions: Parkinson Disease, walking, physical activity, gait, arm swing, Nordic walking