Kick Out Parkinson's Disease- Karate Intervention
Condition: Parkinson Disease
MeSH terms: Parkinson Disease
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The benefits of exercise for general health and wellbeing in older adults are
      well-established. Balance exercises such as tai chi and yoga, along with resistance training,
      can improve or maintain physical function in older adults and enhance muscle strength.
      Furthermore, aerobic activity is critical for maintaining and improving cardiovascular and
      functional health. Noncontact boxing has recently seen a surge in popularity among
      individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD), with components of both aerobic and balance
      exercise. While participants anecdotally note improvements in stress and physical function,
      this has only been minimally studied. However, drawing on this experience and the combined
      aerobic, balance, and mindfulness practices that comprise karate, we hypothesize that
      participation in structured karate programs may offer similar or greater benefits.
      Specifically, the aim of this study is to test whether and to what degree a community-based
      karate class tailored for individuals with early- to middle-stage Parkinson's Disease (PD) 1)
      is feasible; and 2) improves objective and patient-reported outcomes.
    

Detailed description: 
      For 10 weeks, eligible subjects will engage in twice-weekly karate classes, specifically
      designed for individuals with early to middle stage PD, focused on incorporating upper and
      lower limb movements in multiple directions, increasing awareness throughout the body,
      shifting body weight and rotation, relaxation of the muscles, improving reaction time, using
      complex repetitive actions to improve coordination, footwork training and centered weight
      shifts to help with fall prevention, and striking shields for self-defense and stress relief.

      Before beginning the karate classes, each subject will attend a pre-intervention focus group
      during which subjects will complete an assessment focused on overall mobility, gait, balance,
      mood, and quality of life. Subjects will be prompted to share their thoughts on exercise,
      balance, and mindfulness practices in general and in PD specifically.

      Following the 10 weeks of twice-weekly karate classes, subjects will attend a
      post-intervention assessment and focus group during which the pre-intervention assessments
      will be repeated and the subject's impressions about the karate classes and their
      effectiveness will be measured.

      Finally, the study team will contact subjects 6 months post-intervention to assess continued
      engagement in karate or related activities and again, the subject's quality of life and
      global impression of change.
    

Intervention name(s): Karate Classes; Pre-Intervention Focus Group; Post-Intervention Focus Group
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Eligible subjects will engage in twice-weekly karate classes for 10 weeks, specifically designed for individuals with early to middle stage PD, focused on incorporating upper and lower limb movements in multiple directions, increasing awareness throughout the body, shifting body weight and rotation, relaxation of the muscles, improving reaction time, using complex repetitive actions to improve coordination, footwork training and centered weight shifts to help with fall prevention, and striking shields for self-defense and stress relief.; At the pre-intervention focus group, the study logistics will be reviewed, informed consent process will occur, the subject will complete a brief, individual pre-intervention assessment focused on overall mobility, gait, balance, mood, neurological status, and quality of life, and the subjects will be prompted to share aloud their thoughts on exercise, balance, and mindfulness practices in general and in PD specifically, and any expectations or preconceptions that they have regarding karate classes for PD.; At the post-intervention focus group, the pre-intervention assessments will be readministered, along with an assessment of the subject's global impression of change. Subjects will be prompted to share their thoughts on how the intervention impacted their overall wellbeing, balance, and mindfulness; whether the intervention achieved their expectations; and they will be asked to provide feedback for improvements.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Intervention model description: This is a non-randomized, open-label, non-blinded, 10-week pilot study of a novel intervention, namely, non-contact karate, for early to middle stage PD.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: karate; exercise