The Effects of a High Intensity Exercise Training Program in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

The primary outcome measure is the change in sleep efficiency (the number of minutes asleep divided by the number of minutes in bed), as measured by polysomnography. In addition, because patients with Parkinson's disease have excessive sleepiness/impaired vigilance (alertness) and impaired motor function, and because these might be expected to improve with the exercise intervention, this study will also assess vigilance and motor outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

PD participants

• Subjects with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease based on the presence of bradykinesia and one or both of the following: rest tremor and/or rigidity
• Hoehn and Yahr stage 2 or 3
• Stable dopaminergic medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry without anticipation of medication change for the duration of the study.
• Stable doses of medications known to affect sleep and medications for Parkinson's disease for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry without anticipation of medication change for the duration of the study.
• Age 45 or greater at time of study entry
• Asymmetric onset of PD
• Progressive motor symptoms of PD
• Poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score >5)
• MoCA score 18-26
• Ability to travel to UAB 3x/week for the 16 weeks duration of the study for exercise training sessions as well as for other study visits
• Subjects must pass a physical examination and PAR-Q to assess exercise readiness

Inclusion criteria

Healthy Controls

• Age 45 or greater at time of study entry
• Poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score >5)
• Normal cognition

Exclusion criteria

PD Participants

• Atypical features indicative of a Parkinson's Plus disorder (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple Systems Atrophy, Corticobasal Degeneration) including cerebellar signs, supranuclear gaze palsy, apraxia, prominent autonomic failure, or other cortical signs.
• Neuroleptic treatment at time of onset of Parkinsonism
• Active treatment with a neuroleptic at time of study entry
• History of multiple strokes with stepwise progression of Parkinsonism
• History of multiple head injuries
• Inability to walk without assistance, including a cane, wheelchair, or walker
• Regular participation in an exercise program within the past 6 months
• Deep Brain Stimulation
• Untreated sleep apnea
• Known narcolepsy
• Participation in drug studies or the use of investigational drugs within 30 days prior to screening
• Acute illness or active, confounding medical, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions that, at the discretion of the PI, would prevent the subject's ability to participate in the study
• Known contraindication to testing
• Active alcoholism or other drug addiction
• Pregnancy

Exclusion criteria

for PD subjects undergoing imaging studies:

• Pacemaker or other metallic object that would make MR imaging unsafe
• Claustrophobia that prevents participation in imaging portion
• Any motor, cognitive, or health disorder that in the opinion of the PI would prevent the subject from participating in the imaging portion

Exclusion criteria

for healthy controls:

• Pacemaker or other metallic object that would make MR imaging unsafe
• Claustrophobia that prevents participation in imaging portion
• Any motor, cognitive, or health disorder that in the opinion of the PI would prevent the subject from participating in the imaging portion