Smartphone app to boost exercise in Parkinson's patients

STEPWISE Parkinson: A Smartphone Based, Titrated Exercise Solution for Patients With Parkinson's Disease in Daily Life

Not applicable Interventional Radboud University Medical Center · NCT04848077

This study tests if a smartphone app can help people with Parkinson's Disease exercise more and improve their fitness over a year.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment452 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland)
Trial IDNCT04848077 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone application designed to increase physical activity among patients with Parkinson's Disease over a 12-month period. It aims to determine if the app can motivate users to enhance their daily exercise levels and assess the impact on their physical fitness and symptoms related to the disease. The study employs a double-blind randomized controlled trial design, enrolling 452 Dutch patients who meet specific eligibility criteria. Participants will be assigned to different groups based on the degree of physical activity increase relative to their baseline levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Dutch-speaking individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease who can walk independently and have a baseline physical activity level of less than 7,000 steps per day.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, other medical conditions affecting mobility, or those living in nursing homes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the physical activity levels and overall quality of life for patients with Parkinson's Disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with smartphone-based interventions for increasing physical activity in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in Parkinson's patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* idiopathic PD
* Hoehn and Yahr 1-3
* able to understand the Dutch language
* able to walk independently
* equal to or less than 120 minutes of sports/outdoor activities per day (question 5-28 LASA Physical Activity Questionnaire (LAPAQ))
* less than 7,000 steps/day during 1-month baseline (week -4 until 0)

Exclusion Criteria:

* weekly falls in the previous 3 months
* medical conditions that hamper mobility other than PD
* living in a nursing home
* cognitive impairments that hamper use of the motivational app (subjective evaluation by the assessor)
* not in the possession of a suitable smartphone (Iphone 5S or newer with iOS 10 or higher or Android 4.1 or newer)

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen, Gelderland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Movement DisordersParkinson DiseasePhysical activityWalkingExerciseLocomotionMotivational application
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.