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NCT Number: NCT06993142

Slow-SPEED: Slowing Parkinson's Early Through Exercise Dosage

The goal of this clinical trial is two-fold. First to investigate the feasibility of whether a remotely administered smartphone app can increase the volume and intensity of physical activity in daily life in individuals with a LRRK2 G2019S or GBA1 N370S genetic mutation over a long period of time (24 months). Second, to explore the preliminary efficacy of exercise on markers for prodromal Parkinson's disease progression in individuals with a LRRK2 G2019S or GBA1 N370S genetic mutation.

Participants will be tasked to achieve an incremental increase of daily steps (volume) and amount of minutes exercised at a certain heart rate (intensity) with respect to their own baseline level. Motivation with regards to physical activity will entirely be communicated through the study specific Slow Speed smartphone app. A joint primary objective consists of two components. First to determine the longitudinal effect of an exercise intervention in LRRK2 G2019S or GBA1 N370S variant carriers on a prodromal load score, comprised of digital biomarkers of prodromal symptoms. The secondary component of the primary outcome is to determine the feasibility of a remote intervention study. The secondary objective is the effect of a physical activity intervention on digital markers of physical fitness. Exploratory outcomes entail retention rate, completeness of remote digital biomarker assessments, digital prodromal motor and non-motor features of PD. Using these biomarkers, the investigators aim to develop a composite score (prodromal load score) to estimate the total prodromal load. An international exercise study with fellow researchers in the United Kingdom are currently in preparation (Slow-SPEED-UK) and active in the Netherlands (Slow-SPEED-NL). Our intention is to analyse overlapping outcomes combined where possible through a meta-analysis plan, to obtain insight on (determinants of) heterogeneity in compliance and possible efficacy across subgroups

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Behavior Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebral Disorder Disease Attributes Disease Susceptibility Genetic Predisposition Genetic Predisposition to Disease Metabolic Diseases Motor Activity Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Prodromal Stage Prodromal Symptoms Proteostasis Deficiencies Signs and Symptoms Synucleinopathies

Age range

50 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands

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About this study

Rationale: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disease. Exercise beneficially effects motor symptoms and neuroplasticity in people with PD. However, disease-slowing interventions have been ineffective in clinically manifest PD, when pathology is already advanced, but could succeed in prodromal PD, when pathology is limited. People with a LRRK2 G2019S or GBA1 N370S genetic mutation have an increased risk to develop clinically manifest PD. Therefore, this group is likely to develop prodromal PD. This study will take an important step forward by studying the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of long-term physical activity on prodromal symptoms and disease progression in people with prodromal PD using a newly developed, fully remote smartphone-based app. The app is inspired by the app used in the STEPWISE trial (NCT04848077) and currently used in Slow-SPEED-NL (NCT06193252).

Objective: The joint primary objective has two components. First, to evaluate the long-term (36-month) impact of an exercise intervention on a prodromal load score in individuals carrying the LRRK2 G2019S or GBA1 N370S variants. This score will be derived from digital biomarkers capturing both motor and non-motor prodromal symptoms. Using these biomarkers, the investigators aim to develop a composite prodromal load score to estimate the overall burden of prodromal features.

The secondary component of the primary outcome is to determine the feasibility of a long-term (36 months) remote intervention study expressed as longitudinal change in digital measures of physical activity (step count) measured using a Fitbit smartwatch.

Our secondary objective is the potential group effect on physical fitness. Thirdly, the investigators investigate whether the intervention, prodromal motor- and non-motor symptoms can be assessed remotely in a digital, decentralized fashion.

Currently blood- and imaging biomarkers are not incorporated as outcome measures. The investigators intend to add these biomarkers pending appropriate funding.

Study design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial

Study population: A total of 600 English speaking individuals living in the United States of America with a LRRK2 G2019S or GBA1 N370S genetic mutation aged 50 years and older, who are in possession of a suitable smartphone without mobility hampering conditions and absence of cognitive impairment which impedes usage of a smartphone will be recruited. Participant recruitment will primarily target individuals from the 23andMe customer base. Enrollment and onboarding of study participants will be supported by research staff at the University of Rochester.

Intervention: Participants will be randomized to a group (1:1 ratio) and will be motivated to increase the volume and intensity of physical activity based on their own baseline level. Baseline physical activity levels will be determined during a 4-week period. The two groups differ in the amount of physical activity that they are tasked to achieve.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • previously identified LRRK2 G2019S or GBA N370S variant based on genotyping
  • aged 50 years or older
  • able to understand the English language
  • being able to walk independently inside the home without the use of a walking aid
  • in possession of a suitable smartphone (screen size minimum 4.6 inch), (Android version 9 or iOS version 15 or newer)
  • Not in a high physical activity range during the 4-week eligibility and baseline period

Exclusion criteria

  • clinically diagnosed or self-reported diagnosis neurodegenerative disease
  • self-reported falls of three or more per year
  • dexterity problems or cognitive impairments hampering smartphone use
  • if they are not aware of and do not wish to be informed about an increased risk of developing diseases associated with the LRRK2 or GBA1 risk variant
  • if individual is not community-dwelling
  • in possession of one of the following devices: Huawei P8 Lite; Huawei P9 Lite; Xiaomi Mi 6; Huawei P20 Lite (Fitbit is incompatible)

Treatment and study plan

Increase of physical activity volume and intensity with the use of a motivational smartphone application

Behavioral

A motivational smartphone application will be available for all participants using their own smartphone: the Slow-SPEED app. The Slow-SPEED app will motivate participants to increase the volume and intensity of their physical activity in daily life over a long period of time (2 years) based on their own baseline levels. Different treatment arms will receive different physical activity goals. The app offers participants feedback and support, that will stimulate them to reach their individual physical activity goal (i.e. incremental relative increase of step count and minutes exerting ≥ 64% of maximum heart rate reflecting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) relative to baseline level).

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in composite prodromal load score

    Time frame: From inclusion (week 0) to the end of treatment (week 156)

    Change in prodromal load score, comprised of digital biomarkers for prodromal symptoms. The score is currently under development.

  2. Mean change in step count per day

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Mean change in step count per day as measured continuously with a smartwatch. Mean steps per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change in step count indicate more volume of physical activity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Change in number of minutes exerting (minimally) ≥ 64% of maximum heart rate, reflecting moderate intense physical activity, measured continuously using a smartwatch. Mean minutes per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change in minutes of MVPA indicate more aerobic physical activity.

  2. Change in resting heart rate (physical fitness)

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Change in resting heart rate per day as measured continuously with a smartwatch. Mean resting heart rate per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher negative change (i.e. lower resting heart rate) indicate better function.

  3. Change in heart rate variability (physical fitness & autonomic function)

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Change in heart rate variability in Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) measured every 5 minutes with a smartwatch. Mean RMSSD per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change in RMSSD indicate better function.

  4. Change in VO2max (physical fitness)

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Change in VO2max in ml/kg/min measured per day with a smartwatch. Mean VO2max per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change in VO2max indicate better function.

  5. Change in anxiety and depression (HADS)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Total range 0-42. Divided Anxiety and Depression scale have a range of 0-21. Higher scores indicate worse function.

  6. Change in cognition (CANTAB web-version)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) at week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years) and week 156 (end of treatment). More errors indicate worse function.

  7. Mean change in light sleep (sleep stage)

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Mean change in light sleep stage measured continuously with a smartwatch. Mean duration of light sleep per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change indicate more light sleep.

  8. Mean change in deep sleep (sleep stage)

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Mean change in deep sleep stage measured continuously with a smartwatch. Mean duration of deep sleep per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change indicate more deep sleep.

  9. Mean change in REM sleep (sleep stage)

    Time frame: All 4 week periods between and including week -4 until 0 (baseline period) and week 152 until 156 (end of treatment)

    Mean change in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage measured continuously with a smartwatch. Mean duration of REM sleep per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Higher positive change indicate more REM sleep.

  10. Change in self-reported sleep quality (PSQI)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-21. Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality.

  11. Change in REM-sleep behavior disorder (RBDSQ)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change in question of the REM-sleep behavior disorder (RBD) single screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). 'Yes' indicates a higher likelihood of having RBD.

  12. Change in olfaction (UPSIT)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) at week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-40. Higher scores indicate better function.

  13. Change in motor symptoms (Roche PD Research mobile application)

    Time frame: Week 0, Week 6, Week 12, Week 18, Week 24, Week 30, Week 36, Week 42, Week 48, Week 54, Week 60, Week 66, Week 72, Week 78, Week 84, Week 90, Week 96, Week 102, Week 108, Week 114, Week 120, Week 126, Week 132, Week 138, Week 144, Week 150, Week 156

    Change in motor symptoms measured digitally with the smartphone using the Roche PD Research mobile application. Higher scores indicate worse function. 6-weekly testing interval. Optional to complete the tests weekly.

  14. Change in instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (functional status)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on Lawton instrumental ADL (iADL) scale at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-14. Higher score indicate better function.

  15. Change in WHOQoL-BREF (quality of life)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) scale at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-100. Higher score indicate better quality of life.

  16. Change in Research and Development (RAND-36)/Short Form health survey (SF-36) (quality of life)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on RAND-36/SF-36 scale at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-100. Higher score indicate better quality of life.

  17. Change in MDS-UPDRS part 1b (Non-Motor Experiences of Daily Living)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on MDS-UPDRS part 1b scale at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-24. Higher score indicate worse function.

  18. Change in MDS-UPDRS part 2 (Motor Experiences of Daily Living)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on MDS-UPDRS part 2 at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-56. Higher score indicate worse function.

  19. System Usability (SUS)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Usability of the Slow-SPEED smartphone application assessed by the System Usability Scale (SUS) at week 52 (1 year) and week 104 (2 years), and week 156 (end of treatment). Range 0-100. Higher score indicate better usability.

  20. Barriers and motivators to engage in physical activity

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and week 156 (end of treatment)

    Barriers and motivators to engage in physical activity reported on a self-developed questionnaire. Section 1: Exercise history (qualitative), section 2: Overall motivation to exercise (0-10, higher score indicates higher motivation), section 3: Specific motivations to exercise (0-14, higher score indicaties more motivational factors), Section 4: barriers to exercise (0-20, higher score indicates more barriers), Section 5: Main motivations and barriers to exercise (qualitative).

  21. Change in phenoconversion neurodegenerative disease (0-100%)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on phenoconversion in Parkinson's Disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) at week 156 (end of treatment). Higher scores indicate more phenoconversion.

  22. Change in REM-sleep behavior disorder diagnosis

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and week 156 (end of treatment)

    Change from baseline (week 0) on diagnoses of REM-sleep behavior disorder (rBD). Higher scores indicate more RBD diagnoses.

  23. Change in step count on a group level (compliance)

    Time frame: Week -4 until 0 (baseline) compared to week 0-26, week 26-52, week 52-78, week 78-104, Week 104-130, Week 130-156

    Change from week -4 until 0 (baseline period) mean step count per day compared to mean step count in 6 month periods. Mean step count per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Scored as number of participants able to increase step count per day 0-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-100% relative to their own baseline measure

  24. Change in moderate to vigorous physical activity per day on a group level (compliance)

    Time frame: Week 0-26, Week 26-52, Week 52-78, Week 78-104, Week 104-130, Week 130-156

    Change from week -4 until 0 (baseline period) number of minutes exerting (minimally) ≥ 64% of maximum heart rate in 6 month periods. Mean minutes per day will be calculated from 4-week periods. Scored as number of participants to increase 0-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-100% relative to their own baseline measure

  25. Number of completed step week goals on a group level (compliance)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and week 156 (end of treatment)

    Total number of completed step count week goals

  26. Number of completed aerobic activity (MVPA intensity) week goals on a group level (compliance)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and week 156 (end of treatment)

    Total number of completed aerobic activity (MVPA intensity) week goals

  27. Number of drop-outs on a group level (retention rate)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 26, week 52, week 78, week 104, week 130, week 156 (end of treatment)

    Number of drop-outs throughout the study

  28. Number of interactions with Slow-SPEED app on a group level

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 26, week 52, week 78, week 104, week 130, week 156 (end of treatment)

    Total times opening the app

  29. Number of completed questionnaires on group level (completeness of digital assessments)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 52 (1 year), week 104 (2 years), week 156 (end of treatment)

    Number of completed questionnaires

  30. Number of smartwatch data points on group level (completeness of digital assessments)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 26, week 52, week 78, week 104, week 130, week 156 (end of treatment)

    Number of data points received for each selected smartwatch parameter

  31. Total smartwatch wear time on group level (completeness of digital assessments)

    Time frame: Week 0 (baseline), week 26, week 52, week 78, week 104, week 130, week 156 (end of treatment)

    Total smartwatch wear time

  32. Number of Roche PD Research mobile application data points on group level (completeness of digital assessments)

    Time frame: Week 0, Week 6, Week 12, Week 18, Week 24, Week 30, Week 36, Week 42, Week 48, Week 54, Week 60, Week 66, Week 72, Week 78, Week 84, Week 90, Week 96, Week 102, Week 108, Week 114, Week 120, Week 126, Week 132, Week 138, Week 144, Week 150, Week 156

    Number of data points received

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Thomas Oosterhof, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

0031631647857

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Radboud University Medical Center

Other

Collaborators

  • 23andMe, Inc.
  • Cure Parkinson's
  • Davis Phinney Foundation
  • Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging
  • Edmond J. Safra Foundation
  • Erasmus Medical Center
  • Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
  • Hoffmann-La Roche
  • IJsfontein B.V., Netherlands
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • McGill University
  • Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
  • Parkinson's Foundation
  • Parkinson's UK
  • Parkinsons Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
  • Queen Mary University of London
  • Sleep Medicine Centre Kempenhaeghe
  • Sleep Medicine Centre SEIN
  • Stichting ParkinsonNL
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • University of Luebeck
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of Plymouth
  • University of Rochester
  • ZonMw: The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development

Registry information

Acronym: Slow-SPEED

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2029
Study completion
2029
First posted
May 28, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 3, 2025

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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