Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Enhanced Tai Chi for Parkinson's Disease (Enhanced Tai Chi PD)

This study is looking at a special Tai Chi program, designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease, to see if it can help with their symptoms. Parkinson's disease can cause problems with movement, like balance and coordination, and also non-movement issues, such as tiredness or difficulty sleeping. While medicines help many symptoms, balance problems can still be challenging. Researchers want to find out if this 'Enhanced Tai Chi' program, which focuses on balance, movement awareness, and confidence, can make a difference. It's a small initial study to check if the program is practical, if people like it, and if it shows early signs of helping, which would then lead to a larger study.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College Hospital NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Parkinson Disease (PD)

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain and can cause various problems over time. These include movement difficulties like slow movement, stiffness, walking problems, and losing your balance, which can sometimes lead to falls. It can also cause other issues like feeling very tired, pain, mood changes, sleep problems, and memory or thinking difficulties.

Even though there are good medicines for Parkinson's, they don't always completely help with balance and feeling steady on your feet. This is where exercise programs can come in, and there's a growing belief that certain exercises can improve movement, balance, and overall well-being for people with Parkinson's.

This study is focusing on a special Tai Chi program, called "Enhanced Tai Chi," which has been created just for people with Parkinson’s. Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that involves slow, flowing movements, changing your weight, controlling your posture, and focusing your mind. This particular program aims to help with balance, coordination, and feeling more confident in your movements. The main goal is to see if it's a good approach to help manage some of the symptoms of Parkinson's.

Key takeaways

Tests a special Tai Chi program for Parkinson's symptoms.
Aims to improve balance, movement, and overall well-being.
Involves 12 weeks of Tai Chi sessions (one in-person, two online).
Compares Tai Chi + usual care to usual care alone.
A small, initial study to see if a larger trial is worthwhile.
No change to your regular Parkinson's medication.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to have Parkinson's disease that has been diagnosed by a doctor. Your symptoms should be at a mild to moderate stage (doctors call this Hoehn & Yahr stage I-III), meaning you can mostly move around on your own, even if you need some help. You must also be able to stand and take part in the exercise sessions.

It's important that your Parkinson's medicine doses have been stable for at least four weeks before starting the study. This helps make sure any changes seen are due to the Tai Chi, not changes in your medication.

You wouldn't be able to join if you have a different type of Parkinson's (not "idiopathic" Parkinson's), or if you are using advanced treatments like deep brain stimulation, apomorphine pumps, or a special levodopa pump directly into your bowel. Also, if you have severe memory problems (dementia) or other serious health conditions that would stop you from exercising, you wouldn't be suitable for this study. You also need to be able to commit to attending all the planned sessions.

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 I have Parkinson's disease diagnosed by a doctor?
Can I stand and move around for exercise sessions?
Have my Parkinson's medications been at the same dose for at least a month?
Do I have severe memory problems (dementia)? (No = more likely eligible)
Am I willing to commit to attending all planned sessions (three times a week for 12 weeks)?
Am I currently receiving advanced Parkinson's treatments like brain surgery (DBS) or special pumps?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be one of 30 adults with Parkinson's. There's a two-in-three chance you'll be put into the group doing the Enhanced Tai Chi program, and a one-in-three chance you'll continue with your usual medical care only. This is decided by chance, like flipping a coin.

If you're in the Tai Chi group, you'll have 36 one-hour sessions over 12 weeks. This means three sessions each week: one will be in person, and two will be online using a secure video link. You'll also be encouraged to practice on your own if you wish. The researchers will keep a record of how often you attend.

Everyone in the study will have assessments at three points: at the very beginning (baseline), right after the 12-week program finishes, and then again three months later to see if any benefits last. There are no changes to your medication or other treatments unless your doctor decides it's necessary for your health.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several benefits, such as potentially improving your balance, coordination, and overall confidence in movement. It could also help with non-movement symptoms like fatigue or sleep. As with any exercise, there's a very small risk of minor muscle soreness or strain, but the Tai Chi movements are slow and gentle. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

King's College Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that involves slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focused attention. It's often described as 'meditation in motion' and can help with balance and flexibility.

What does 'Enhanced Tai Chi' mean?

This is a special Tai Chi program that has been created and adapted specifically for people with Parkinson's disease, focusing on movements and exercises that help with common Parkinson's symptoms like balance and coordination.

Will I have to stop my current Parkinson's medication?

No, you will continue with your usual Parkinson's medication as prescribed by your doctor. Your medication dose needs to have been stable for at least four weeks before starting the study.

What if I'm not good at computers for the online sessions?

The online sessions will use a secure video platform. If you're interested, the study team would likely be able to give you some basic guidance or support to help you get set up.

Why is this only a pilot study?

A pilot study is a small, initial study to test if the program is practical, if people like it, and to see if there are early signs that it helps. This information will then be used to design a larger, definitive study in the future.