Low-load versus high-load strength training for people with Parkinson's disease
Official title: Comparison of Changes in Neuromuscular and Functional Performance Due to Resistance Training With Low-Load or High-Load in Persons With Parkinson's Disease.
Run by University of Miami · NCT07378813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test if high-load or low-load strength training better improves muscle strength, power, and everyday function in older adults with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coral Gables, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07378813 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with Parkinson's disease in Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3 who can walk 50 m without assistance, understand English, and have a MoCA score above 18, without uncontrolled cardiovascular or systemic inflammatory conditions or unresolved limb injuries.
✕Probably not a fit
People with advanced Parkinson's (Hoehn & Yahr stage 4–5), significant cognitive impairment (MoCA ≤18), uncontrolled cardiovascular or inflammatory disease, or recent unresolved limb injuries are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3) who can walk 50 meters unassisted and score above 18 on the MoCA will be enrolled and assigned to either a low-load or high-load resistance training program targeting major muscle groups. Training will be supervised at the Laboratory of Neuromuscular Research and Active Aging at the University of Miami and delivered over a defined intervention period with repeated sessions. Outcomes will include measures of muscle strength and power along with functional tests of daily performance. Safety exclusions include uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, or unresolved limb injuries that prevent weight training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help people with Parkinson's gain more muscle strength and power and improve mobility and independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows resistance training can improve strength and some functional outcomes in Parkinson's, but direct comparisons between high- and low-load approaches remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parkinson's Disease Hoehn \& Yahr Stages 1-3 * Able to walk 50m unassisted * Able to understand and communicate in English * A Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score above 18 Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled cardiovascular or other neuromuscular disease that prevent participation in a training program * Any systemic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, or other serious concomitant medical illness * Unresolved injury or surgery to the upper or lower limbs that prevents weight training.
Where it's running
-
Laboratory of Neruomuscular Research and Active Aging
Coral Gables, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph F. Signorile, PhD — University of Miami
- Study coordinator: Ethan J Elway, MS
- Email: exe453@miami.edu
- Phone: 3052844173
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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.