RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06442033

Genetics and Aerobic Exercise to Slow Parkinson's Disease Trial

Genetics and Aerobic Exercise to Slow Parkinson's Disease (GEARS) Trial

Sponsor

Jay Alberts

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

Aug 23, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Summary

The proposed multi-site, Genetics and Aerobic Exercise to Slow PD (GEARS) Trial will, for the first time, determine the interplay between genetics and exercise in altering PD progression. In sum, 200 PD patients will be recruited from the Cleveland and Salt Lake City metro areas to participate in the Pedaling for Parkinson's (PFP) community-based exercise program. Participants will exercise at community-based sites 3x/week for 12 months. All participants will undergo genotyping using an array that includes the genome backbone and common risk variants associated to increase risk for multiple neurological disorders including PD.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study explores how a person's genes affect their response to aerobic exercise — specifically cycling — as a treatment to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, a condition that gradually affects movement, balance, and coordination. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a doctor - Your disease is at stage I–III on the Hoehn and Yahr scale (mild to moderate) - You can safely get on and off a stationary bicycle - You have reliable transportation to the exercise facility - You own a smartphone for activity monitoring - You are on a stable dose of Parkinson's medication **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You already participate in regular structured aerobic exercise (more than the study's threshold) - You have significant heart, lung, or joint problems that prevent safe cycling - You have dementia or another condition that would interfere with participation Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

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

OTHERHigh intensity stationary cycling

All community based exercise sessions are: 3x/week for 40 min, which includes a 5-min warm up \& cool down and a 30-minute main exercise set. Exercise parameters will be set by a neurologically trained physical therapist and will be progressed over time with the ultimate goal of the individual reaching moderate-vigorous exercise. Moderate-vigorous exercise for this project is defined as a cadence of 75+ rpms and a target HR of 60-80% of their age-predicted max