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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06576817

High-intensity Interval Circuit Training in People With Parkinson Disease

The goal of the study is to compare different types of high intensity circuit exercises over an 8-class training series in people with Parkinson disease. The main question it aims to answer is:

-Does including arm and hand exercises with leg exercises improve reaction time, balance, functional measures, gait speed and quality of life? This group will be compared to a group that only does leg exercises. Participants will be asked to participate in 8 high intensity circuit exercise classes.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Behavior Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Motor Activity Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Yakima, Washington, 98901, United States

About this study

People with Parkinson disease will be recruited from the community and randomized into 2 equal groups: high intensity interval circuit training with lower extremity (LE) and lower and upper extremity (LEUE) training. The study will be composed of a baseline assessment, 8 group class sessions, and a post-intervention assessment. The baseline assessment will include demographics, disease and fall history and outcome measure collection. Group class sessions will include concurrent group warmup, followed by an 8-station circuit performed with high intensity intervals, and a cool-down. The circuit will include 4 stations performed by both the LE and LEUE groups and 4 stations specific to each intervention group, including 4 additional LE exercise stations for the LE group and 4 UE specific stations for the LEUE group. The stations that differ will not be adjacent to one another nor specifically indicated as different. The stations that differ will mirror similar aspects of function (ie, strength, reaction time, etc.) for the UE and LE stations. Participants will be told exercise stations may vary within-session and week to week but will not be informed that only one group has UE exercise interventions. After conclusion of the class series, post-intervention balance and stepping outcomes will be reassessed.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
  • Hoehn and Yahr level of 1 to 3
  • ability to walk independently with or without an assistive device
  • obtain medical clearance to participate in moderate or vigorous exercise.

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)
  • bone instability (non-consolidated fractures, unstable spinal column, severe osteoporosis)
  • muscle or ligament tears
  • uncontrolled hypertension
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • severe cardiovascular disease that impairs walking or exercise
  • a major change in medication during the study training period (pre-test to post-test)

Treatment and study plan

High intensity circuit exercise class - Lower and upper extremity

Other

Exercises performed at high intensity effort in the circuit (8 total) will focus on both the lower extremity (4) and upper extremity (4)

High intensity circuit exercise class - Lower extremity alone

Other

All exercises performed at high intensity effort in the circuit (8 total) will focus on the lower extremity alone

Primary outcomes

  1. Trail making Test Parts A and B (timed, higher scores mean worse outcome)

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    Cognitive and fine motor skills

  2. Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale (0-100%, higher scores mean better outcome)

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    Balance confidence self-report

  3. Timed Up and Go

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    Balance and function

  4. 10 meter Walk Test

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    Gait Speed

  5. 6 minute walk test

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    endurance

  6. 9-hole peg test (timed, higher scores mean worse outcome)

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    fine motor

  7. Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire - Short Form (8) (Score 0-32, higher scores mean worse outcome)

    Time frame: 8-10 weeks

    Quality of Life

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of High-intensity Interval Circuit Training With Upper Extremity and Lower Extremity Training Versus Lower Extremity Training Alone in People With Parkinson Disease

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 29, 2024
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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