CompletedInterventional

Home-based trunk intervention training to improve rigidity and functionality in people with Parkinson's disease

Living with Parkinson's disease can make daily tasks harder, and medication doesn't always fully help. This study explores if a special exercise program, focusing on the ‘trunk’ (your body’s core), can reduce stiffness and improve how well people with Parkinson's can move and do things. The trunk muscles are vital for balance and movement. Participants will either do these targeted exercises at home or a more general exercise program for 12 weeks, with check-ups over 24 weeks. We hope to find out if these specific exercises could make a real difference to daily life.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Kent

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2026

Parkinson's disease

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that gradually affects the brain, causing movement problems like stiffness and difficulty with balance. While medicines can help, their effects can lessen over time, making it harder for people to carry out daily activities and live independently. Research has shown that exercise can be very helpful for people with Parkinson's, improving their symptoms and overall ability to move.

Your body's ‘trunk’ refers to your core muscles, which are incredibly important for balance and walking, allowing you to do everyday tasks safely. When these muscles are affected by Parkinson's, such as experiencing stiffness, it can increase the risk of falls and reduce the quality of life. This study aims to investigate if a specially designed exercise program, focusing on these trunk muscles, can reduce stiffness and improve movement for people with Parkinson's disease. The exercises are designed to be done at home.

The main goal of this research is to compare the effects of this new trunk-focused exercise program with a general exercise program. By doing this, we hope to learn if targeting these specific core muscles offers better improvements in stiffness and daily functioning for people with Parkinson's. This could potentially lead to more effective ways for people to manage their Parkinson's symptoms through exercise.

Key takeaways

Study compares specific core exercises vs. general exercises for Parkinson's.
Aims to improve stiffness and daily functioning.
Exercise programs are home-based.
Involves 5 lab visits over 24 weeks.
Participation helps research, no direct personal benefit expected.
Funded by the University of Kent, UK.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. You should be between 40 and 80 years old. It’s important that you can understand simple instructions and walk 10 metres (about 33 feet) without help. Your Parkinson's medication should have been stable, with no changes in the last month.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you've had deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, or if you have other health problems that might affect your movement or ability to exercise. Also, if your medication changes during the study, or if you have a high risk of falling according to certain assessments, you might not be suitable.

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 between 40 and 80 years old?
Can you walk 10 metres (about 33 feet) without help?
Has your Parkinson's medication been stable, with no changes in the last month?
Have you NOT had deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your first step will be an online check to make sure the study is right for you. If you're eligible, you'll need to visit the university lab five times over a 24-week period. You'll be placed into one of two groups: one group will follow a special 12-week core (trunk) exercise program at home, and the other group will follow a general 12-week exercise program at home.

Throughout the 12 weeks of exercises, the study team will call you once a week to see how you're getting on and answer any questions. Your visits to the lab at weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 will include filling out questionnaires, having your movement assessed, and using special 3D cameras to track your movements. This helps the researchers understand the effects of the exercises. You should continue with your regular Parkinson's medication as prescribed, without making any changes, for the duration of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits to taking part in this study, but your contribution will be very valuable in helping us learn more about Parkinson's disease and exercise. We will cover reasonable expenses for your time. You might experience some mild muscle soreness from the exercises, which usually goes away within 48 hours. To minimise any risk, warm-ups and cool-downs are included, and you will be encouraged to take breaks whenever you need to. We also check your fitness before you start to make sure exercise is safe for you. You should always exercise in a safe, open space at home, ideally with someone else present. Remember, you are free to stop taking part in the study at any time.

Locations (1)

University of Kent
Approximate
Canterbury, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if specific exercises for your core muscles can reduce stiffness and improve daily activities for people with Parkinson's disease.

How long will I need to be involved?

The study involves a 12-week exercise program, with follow-up visits to the lab over 24 weeks in total.

Do I have to go to a gym for the exercises?

No, both exercise programs are designed to be done at home.

Will my medication be affected?

You should continue your Parkinson's medication as usual; no changes are expected or advised during the study.

What kind of assessments will I have?

You'll fill out questionnaires and have your movement assessed using special 3D cameras during your lab visits.

How to find out more

Lewis Ball

lrb33@kent.ac.uk +44 (0)1227 764000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.