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Low-load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction in People With Parkinson's Disease

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Parkinson Disease
Interventions
Behavioral: Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction
Registration Number
NCT05806775
Lead Sponsor
University of Colorado, Denver
Brief Summary

The study's objective is to determine the feasibility of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction in people who have advanced Parkinson's disease and impaired mobility using a mixed-methods convergent parallel design in a single cohort. The study's long-term goal is to develop clinically feasible exercise interventions that are effective at improving mobility, participation, and quality of life for people with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Detailed Description

This study will use a mixed-methods convergent parallel design to determine the feasibility of low-load BFR training in 20 people with advanced PD symptoms and impaired mobility (Hoehn and Yahr Stage \[H\&Y\] 3-4). All participants will receive low intensity resistance training (20-30% of 1RM) with BFR targeting knee extensor, ankle plantarflexor, and elbow extensor muscles 2x/week for 8 weeks. Intervention will be delivered by a physical therapist with specialized training in BFR. Pre-defined feasibility criteria will be assessed in the primary aim. Outcomes assessed before and immediately after the 8-week intervention will include quantitative muscle strength and mobility assessments, and quantitative and qualitative data on health-related QOL.

Aim 1: Determine low-load BFR training feasibility based on the following quantitative and qualitative criteria: 1) enrolling 20 participants, 2) retaining ≥80% participants, 3) obtaining ≥80% intervention adherence, 4) having no serious intervention-related adverse events, and 5) quantitatively and qualitatively measured acceptability.

Aim 2: Determine changes in 1) knee extensor, ankle plantarflexor, and elbow extensor muscle strength using fixed myometry and 2) instrumented functional mobility (30-second Sit-to-Stand, Timed up and Go, self-selected walking speed, and Berg Balance Scale) using a system of inertial measurement unit wearable sensors.

Exploratory Aim: Understand health-related QOL changes using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and semi-structured interviews to elucidate how components of the intervention translate into QOL changes through a mixed-method analysis of PDQ-39 constructs of mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, social stigma, social support, cognition, communications, and bodily discomfort.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Adults ages 18-89 with neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of PD
  • H&Y Stage 2 (bilateral involvement without postural instability) up to H&Y Stage 4 (severe disease)
  • Able to provide informed consent
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Exclusion Criteria
  • H&Y Stage 1 (unilateral involvement only) or less
  • H&Y Stage 5 (wheelchair or bed bound)
  • Unable to provide consent or diagnosis of dementia
  • History of deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, peripheral vascular disease, thrombophilia or other clotting disorders; report of easy bruising
  • Any comorbid conditions or pain that substantially affects ability to safely complete rehabilitation (e.g. neurologic, vascular, cardiac problems, orthopedic, or ongoing medical treatments) as determined by a neurologist or physical therapist
  • Currently undergoing supervised resistance training with a physical therapist or other exercise professional
  • Using Blood Flow Restriction currently or in the previous 3 months prior to enrollment
  • Cannot tolerate BFR pressure cuff inflated to 60% of total limb occlusion pressure during baseline assessment
  • PD-related medication change in the month prior to enrollment
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Low-load resistance training with blood flow restrictionLow-load resistance training with blood flow restrictionExercises will target bilateral 1) knee extensor, 2) ankle plantarflexor, and 3) elbow extensor muscles. Exercises will be dosed based on 1RM and individualized for each participant from a standardized exercise set. Progression will be based on 1) body position (supine, seated, standing), and 2) degree of resistance. Dosing will be re-assessed every 2 weeks and progressed as tolerated. Resistance will be provided by the Shuttle Mini-Press (Shuttle Systems), a portable resistance trainer that allows for precise dosing but is also adaptable to people with mobility limitations.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Knee ExtensionMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Knee extension muscle strength measured using fixed myometry (QMA Muscle Testing System)

Change in Ankle PlantarflexionMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Ankle plantarflexion muscle strength measured using fixed myometry (QMA Muscle Testing System)

Change in Elbow ExtensionMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Elbow extension muscle strength measured using fixed myometry (QMA Muscle Testing System)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Timed Up and Go TimeMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Functional mobility test measuring the time required to stand from sitting, walk 10 feet, turn and return to seated position at starting point

Change in Self-Selected Walking SpeedMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Gait speed measured over a 10-meter walking course, measured in seconds

Change in 30-second Sit-to-stand CompletionsMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Functional mobility test measuring the number of sit to stand cycles a participant can complete in 30 seconds

Change in Berg Balance ScaleMeasured at Baseline (Week 0) and Post Test (Week 9)

Functional mobility test measuring the participant's ability to balance in different postures. Scores on the Berg Balance Scale range from 0 to 56 points, with 0-20 points indicating wheelchair bound, 21-40 indicating walking with assistance, and 41-56 indicating walking independently.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Colorado

🇺🇸

Aurora, Colorado, United States

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