Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Characterising Physiological Resilience in People With Parkinson's Disease

This study aims to understand 'physiological resilience' in people with Parkinson's disease. This is about how well the body can recover or stay strong despite challenges like illness. Since Parkinson's often affects older adults, understanding resilience can help improve care. We'll measure heart, lung, muscle, coordination, memory, and thinking abilities. The study also compares two moderate exercise types: cycling and treadmill walking. Participants will do one 40-minute session and share their thoughts on how enjoyable and comfortable it was. The goal is to help healthcare professionals recommend the best exercises for people with Parkinson's, potentially improving symptoms and quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects movement and can worsen over time. It's more common as people get older and can cause symptoms like shaking, stiff muscles, slow movements, and balance problems. People with Parkinson's might also experience other issues such as pain, feeling down, anxiety, or difficulties with memory, which can make everyday activities harder.

Imagine your body's ability to bounce back or stay strong when faced with challenges like aging or illness – this is what we call 'physiological resilience'. If someone has low resilience, they might find it harder to cope with illness, become less active, and could be at higher risk of becoming frail or needing hospital care. Both Parkinson's and low resilience are more common in older adults, so understanding how Parkinson's affects resilience could really help us provide better support.

This study will carefully look at resilience in people with Parkinson's by checking various body functions, including how well their heart, lungs, muscles, and coordination work, and also their memory and thinking skills. We will also compare two different ways of exercising: cycling and walking on a treadmill. Participants will do one of these moderate exercises for about 40 minutes, and then tell us how much they enjoyed it, how comfortable it felt, and if they'd like to continue doing it. The results will help doctors and nurses recommend the best types of exercise for people with Parkinson's, which could improve their symptoms and overall well-being.

Key takeaways

This study explores how people with Parkinson's cope with physical challenges.
It measures various body functions like heart, muscle, and memory.
It compares cycling and treadmill walking for enjoyment and comfort.
The findings will help recommend better exercise options for Parkinson's.
Participation involves a single visit with no changes to your medication.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease from a healthcare professional and be able to walk 30 meters, even if you use a walking aid like a stick or frame. You also need to be willing and able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe heart or lung conditions (unless your high blood pressure or asthma is well-controlled) or severe memory problems. We also can't include you if you have joint problems that would make exercising difficult, or if you've recently had cancer treatment (within the last 2 years, or within the last 3 months if you had chemotherapy or radiotherapy, excluding minor skin cancers).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?
Can you walk 30 meters, with or without a walking aid?
Do you have severe heart or lung conditions (not including well-controlled high blood pressure/asthma)?
Are you able to understand study information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit the study site for a single session. During this visit, we'll perform several measurements to understand your body's resilience, including checks on your heart, lungs, muscles, coordination, memory, and thinking abilities. You’ll then be randomly assigned to do one type of moderate exercise – either cycling or treadmill walking – for 40 minutes. After the exercise, you'll be asked to share your thoughts on how enjoyable and comfortable it was, and whether it’s something you’d consider doing regularly. The entire study visit will be completed within a single day, and no medication changes or long-term follow-up visits are required.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help us better understand how exercise can support people with Parkinson's, which could lead to improved exercise recommendations in the future. The exercises are designed to be moderate, but as with any physical activity, there's a small risk of discomfort or muscle soreness. All procedures will be supervised by trained staff. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The University of Nottingham/Medical School
Verified postcode
Derby, United Kingdom

Common questions

What does a 'moderate' level of exercise mean?

Moderate exercise means you'll be working hard enough to feel your heart beat faster and breathe a bit harder, but you should still be able to hold a conversation.

How will you measure my 'resilience'?

We'll measure different aspects of your body's function, like your heart and lung health, muscle strength, coordination, and some memory and thinking tests to understand how your body handles challenges.

Do I have to do both cycling and treadmill walking?

No, you'll only be asked to do one of the two exercise types – either cycling or walking on a treadmill – for the 40-minute exercise session.

Will this study change my Parkinson's treatment?

No, this study is for research purposes only and will not involve any changes to your current Parkinson's treatment or medication.

What will happen with the results?

The results will help healthcare professionals understand which exercises might be most beneficial and enjoyable for people with Parkinson's, so they can make better recommendations in the future.

How to find out more

Bethan E Phillips

beth.phillips@nottingham.ac.uk +44 (0) 1332 724676 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.