Evaluating the feasibility of a samba percussion intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease
This study is exploring a new and enjoyable activity called SParky Samba for people with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's can affect movement, thinking, and mood, and there's no cure. People have said they want more support for their symptoms. SParky Samba is a community-based drumming group designed by and for people with Parkinson's. Early signs suggest it might help with movement and general wellbeing. This study will involve people either joining weekly samba sessions for 12 weeks or continuing their usual activities. Researchers will check movement, thinking, and mood before and after this period. The main goal is to find out if it's practical to run a larger study on SParky Samba in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Parkinson's disease affects parts of the brain that control how you move, think, feel, and even sleep. Over time, these symptoms can get worse and make everyday tasks harder, affecting independence and quality of life. While there are treatments to help manage the symptoms, there isn't yet a cure or a way to slow the disease down. Many people with Parkinson's have asked for more support to help with their movement and other symptoms. We know that being physically active and enjoying music with a steady beat can sometimes be helpful.
SParky Samba is a special samba drumming activity that was created by and for people with Parkinson's themselves. It's a fun, community-based group activity. So far, people who have tried it have shared that it seems to help with how they move, their overall health, and how they feel. This current study isn't about proving SParky Samba is a treatment, but rather seeing if it's possible to run a bigger study about it later on. We want to check if people enjoy taking part, if the groups can be run smoothly, and if we can collect useful information.
If this smaller study goes well, it could lead to a larger trial in the future that would look more closely at whether SParky Samba really does make a difference to movement, thinking, and wellbeing for people with Parkinson's. This is an important step in exploring new ways to support people living with the condition.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a potential new activity, SParky Samba drumming, for people with Parkinson's.
- It aims to see if a bigger study on its benefits is possible in the future.
- Participants will either join weekly samba sessions or continue their usual activities for 12 weeks.
- Movement, thinking, and wellbeing will be checked before and after this period.
- It's open to adults with a Parkinson's diagnosis who haven't tried SParky Samba before.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to most adults who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers want to include as many people as possible, so the rules for joining are quite broad.
You can take part if you are 18 years old or older, and you have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part yourself.
The main reason you might not be able to join is if you have already been part of a SParky Samba group in the past. If you've never tried SParky Samba before, and you meet the other requirements, you're likely eligible to participate.
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.
- Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you never taken part in a SParky Samba group before?
- Are you able to understand and agree to participate in the study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. You won't get to choose which group you're in.
One group will attend a local SParky Samba session once a week for 12 weeks. The other group will simply continue with their usual daily activities for 12 weeks, without joining the samba sessions. Both groups will be asked to complete some assessments. Before the 12 weeks begin, and again after they finish, everyone in the study will have some tests. These include checks on movement, thinking skills, and general wellbeing. Some of these will be in-person assessments, meaning you'd meet with a researcher, and others will be questionnaires you can fill out at home. The total time you'd be involved in the study would be about 12 weeks, plus the time for the initial and final assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- Centre for Trials Research - Cardiff UniversityCity onlyCardiff, Wales
- Hywel Dda University LhbCity onlyCarmarthen, Wales
- Cardiff & Vale University LhbCity onlyCardiff, Wales
- Betsi Cadwaladr University LhbCity onlyBangor, Wales
Common questions
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with movement, thinking, mood, and sleep. Its symptoms can gradually get worse over time.
What is SParky Samba?
SParky Samba is a fun, community-based drumming group activity specifically created for people with Parkinson's disease.
How long will the study last if I join?
The main part of the study involves 12 weeks, plus time for assessments before and after this period.
Will I have to pay to take part?
No, you will not have to pay to take part in the study or the SParky Samba sessions if you are in that group.
Who is running this study?
The study is being run by researchers at Cardiff University in the UK, with funding from a foundation in Switzerland.
How to find out more
Cheney Drew
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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