Low-load versus high-load strength training for people with Parkinson's disease
Comparison of Changes in Neuromuscular and Functional Performance Due to Resistance Training With Low-Load or High-Load in Persons With Parkinson's Disease.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coral Gables, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT07378813 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Coral Gables, Florida
- 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
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.