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Effects of an Independent Walking Program With Walking Poles in People With Parkinson Disease

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
No age limits stated
Sex
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

  • Time periods mentioned: 8 weeks
  • Procedures mentioned: Questionnaires

Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.

Show the study's own words
  • "You will be given tests and questionnaires about your movement and thinking."
  • "Independent walking program: You will be asked to walk at least 3 times each week for 8 weeks and keep a log of your walking."
Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study tests whether walking with poles changes walking ability compared with walking without poles in people with Parkinson disease. Participants walk on their own at least 3 times a week for 8 weeks and keep a walking log. Walking, movement, and thinking are tested before and after the program, and again 3 months later.

Study Purpose: The purpose of the study is to compare changes in walking in people with Parkinson disease after an 8-week independent walking program with or without using walking poles. Major parts of the Study: Before the walking program: Measurements will be taken of you while you are walking. You will be given tests and questionnaires about your movement and thinking. You will be trained on how to use walking poles. Independent walking program: You will be asked to walk at least 3 times each week for 8 weeks and keep a log of your walking. If you are in the walking pole group, you will walk with the poles. After the walking program: Your walking, movement, and thinking measurements will be collected as before the walking program. Follow-up: The same measures of walking, movement, and thinking will be taken 3-months after ending the walking program.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Speak English.
  • Have Parkinson disease.
  • Can walk safely on your own, with or without a cane.
  • Have medical approval to join a walking program on your own.
  • Are physically in the United States when tested.

Who can't join

  • Have a brain or nerve disease other than Parkinson disease, such as stroke, dementia, or multiple sclerosis. Mild problems with memory or thinking do not rule you out.
  • Used walking poles for more than 30% of exercise walking during the past 6 months.
  • Weigh more than 320 pounds or are taller than 6 feet 4 inches.
  • Will be unable to do the walking program for more than 7 days in a row during the study, such as due to travel or planned surgery.
  • Expect to add, stop, or change the dose of Parkinson medicines during the walking program.
  • Have a change in deep brain stimulation (DBS) settings during the walking program. DBS uses a device to send electrical signals to the brain.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking, diagnosis of Parkinson disease, ability to walk safely and independently with or without a cane, and medically cleared to participate in an independent walking program. Participants must be physically present in the USA at the time of assessment. Exclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of any neurological disease other than PD (including but not limited to stroke, dementia, and multiple sclerosis; mild cognitive impairment is not excluded), regular (\>30%) use of walking poles during walking for exercise for the prior 6 months, weight of more than 320 pounds or height more than 6'4", unable to participate in walking for more than 7 consecutive days during the study period (ie, traveling, scheduled surgery), anticipated change in Parkinson-specific medication (including additions, removals, or changes in dosage) during the intervention period, a change in deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameters during the intervention.

Study sites (1)

TN