Occupational therapy to reduce loneliness in people with Parkinson's disease
Social Prescription for Loneliness in Community-based Group Exercise Classes for People With Parkinson Disease
This study is testing whether a program led by occupational therapists can help people with Parkinson's disease feel less lonely by getting them involved in community activities and improving their social connections.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Colorado State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Collins, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT06447207 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the significant issue of loneliness among individuals with Parkinson's disease by implementing an occupational therapy-led social prescription program. Participants will engage in community-based activities and receive support from occupational therapists to enhance their social participation and overall quality of life. The program includes six visits with an occupational therapist over a six-month period, focusing on evidence-based practices to combat loneliness. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in improving social connections and reducing feelings of isolation in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and have experienced loneliness as indicated by their UCLA Loneliness Scale score.
Not a fit: Patients who have been diagnosed with dementia or are not fluent in English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease by reducing loneliness and enhancing social engagement.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on occupational therapy interventions for loneliness in Parkinson's disease, similar approaches in addressing loneliness through community engagement have shown promise in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years old * Have a diagnosis of Parkinson Disease * Have participated in at least one exercise class or support group in the last year * Scored ≥5/9 on the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale during pre-screening * Agree to participate in a 6-month program including a social prescription and six visits with an occupational therapist or occupational therapy doctoral student Exclusion Criteria: * Have ever been diagnosed with dementia * Not fluent in English
Where this trial is running
Fort Collins, Colorado
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura A Swink, PhD — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Laura A Swink, PhD
- Email: laura.swink@colostate.edu
- Phone: 9704917915
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.