Training and use of a cane to improve walking in people with Parkinson's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how training in the use of a cane affects various aspects of gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease, including gait speed, confidence, and functional mobility. It employs a double-blind, randomized controlled design, enrolling 26 participants aged 40 and older who have been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving cane training or a control group maintaining their usual healthcare routines. The training consists of four sessions over a period of 15 to 22 days, focusing on proper cane usage in daily activities.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of idiopathic PD confirmed by a neurologist
* classification between stages II to IV of the modified Hoehn \& Yahr Scale (HY)
* use of anti-parkinsonian medication with stable pharmacological therapy for at least 6 months
* ability to walk independently in a 14-meter corridor with a walking speed ≤ 1.1 m/s
* ability to use a single-point cane during walking correctly and safely, and not being regular users of any type of assistive device since the diagnosis of PD.

Exclusion Criteria:

* cognitive impairment, assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination
* use deep brain stimulation,
* had any other neurological, cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal condition that may compromise the tests performance

Where it's running

• Federal University of Minas Gerais
  Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christina DCM Faria, Doctor — Federal University of Minas Gerais
• Study coordinator: Christina DCM Faria, Doctor
• Email: cdcmf@ufmg.br
• Phone: +55 (31) 34097448

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.