RecruitingACTRN12623001279617

Effects of combined arm and leg high-intensity interval training on motor and non-motor symptoms in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled feasibility trial

Sponsor

University of Sydney

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Jan 21, 2026

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Parkinsons Disease

Summary

An 8-week randomized feasibility trial will be conducted to investigate motor and non-motor responses to high-intensity interval training utilizing a combined arm and leg ergometer in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). control group will receive usual care. Primary hypothesis High-intensity combined arm and leg ergometry added to usual care will lead to increases in habitual gait speed in people with PD compared to usual care.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a condition that causes tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and balance problems — gradually worsening over time. High-intensity aerobic exercise has shown real promise in improving movement and quality of life for people with PD, and some research suggests it may even slow the disease's progression. But most exercise studies in PD have focused on leg-based machines like stationary bikes. This 8-week feasibility trial is testing whether a combined arm-and-leg exercise machine (an ergometer) used at high intensity can improve walking speed and other symptoms in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The control group receives their usual care without the additional exercise program. To be eligible, you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease that is not too advanced (a Hoehn and Yahr score of 3 or less). You must be community-dwelling and currently doing less than 150 minutes per week of moderate to high intensity exercise. People with other progressive neurological diseases, deep brain stimulation devices, serious heart or lung conditions, or significant cognitive impairment are not eligible.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

A randomized controlled feasibility trial will be conducted to investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in a novel mode of combined arm and leg ergometry, (Rogue Echo) (Rogue Fitness, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A), on physiological and functional outcomes in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinsons disease (PD). The trial will run for 8 weeks with 24 (1 hour) sessions in total for the intervention group, excluding 4 weekly baseline assessment sessions and two weekly reassessment session at conclusion of the intervention in both groups for total of 14 weeks. Dose exposure intensities will be individualized from initial baseline maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic capacity tests and utilizing Borg (6-20) rate of perceived exertion scales. Eighty-five (85) % of mean maximal power obtained during a maximal anaerobic capacity test performed on the Rogue Echo will be used to prescribe the workload intensity during the intervention process. A total of 8 rounds with work to rest ratios of 1:3 minute will be implemented. The intervention will consist of HIIT performed on a specialized cycle ergometer that consists of a normal lower limb cycle that has handles for the upper limbs that the participant push and pulls in a liner motion. Sessions are approximately 1 hour within small groups of participants (1-2). The intervention will be added to usual care. Secondary outcomes will also include adherence to both exercise intensity and modality. This will be assessed by measuring time spent at target workload intensity and adherence to volume and duration of exposure. An addition to the assessment days (day 3 & 4) includes an acute exposure to the HIIT intervention focusing either arm only or a combined arm and leg ergometry on the Rogue Echo. This component aims to isolate and compare the physiological effect differences of lower versus combined upper and lower limb exercise. During these sessions, pure physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and VO2 differences will be assessed and compared between groups. Additionally, participants' perceptual responses will be evaluated using the Borg (6-20) scale alongside affective responses assessed with the Feelings Scale. All assessments and interventions will be implemented face to face at the University of Sydney, Susan Wakil health building research spaces, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. Assessment days will vary from a minimum of one to a maximum of three hours (1-3). All assessments and interventions will be implemented by accredited exercise physiologists.