Rock Steady Boxing vs. Sensory Attention Focused Exercise

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study evaluates the effect on Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) and PD SAFEx on Parkinson's disease.

Detailed Description
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Both interventions produce benefits to the PD population. PD SAFEx has been proven to improve the motor symptoms of PD. However, research still needs to be conducted on the PD specific benefits associated with RSB. As such it an RCT is necessary to compare the effects of both interventions.

Official Title
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A Randomized Crossover Trial: The Effects of Rock Steady Boxing vs. Sensory Attention Focused Exercise on Disease Progression for Those With Parkinson's Disease.

Conditions
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Parkinson Disease

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Rock Steady Boxing
* Other: PD SAFEx


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: must be able to understand verbal instructions in English diagnosed with idiopathic PD by a neurologist Exclusion Criteria: if diagnosed with a neurological condition other than PD if participated in an exercise program at least 2-weeks prior to the start of the study
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: The early start group: 12-weeks (intervention) followed by 12-weeks of no exercise. The delayed start group: 12-weeks (no exercise) followed by 12-weeks (intervention). This model will be used for both RSB and PD SAFEx.
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Rock Steady Boxing<br>Non-contact boxing program. | Other: Rock Steady Boxing<br>* Boxing programs as offered by the Rock Steady Boxing institution,<br>|
| Active Comparator: PD SAFEx<br>Sensory attention focused exercise. | Other: PD SAFEx<br>* Progressive proprioception training.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Motor symptom improvements | Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) conducted by a qualified movement disorders specialist. The maximum score is 108, the higher the score, the worse the symptoms. | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quality of life assessments | Completion of Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). There are 8 sections: mobility (sub score 10), activities of daily living (sub score 6), emotional well-being (sub score 6), stigma (sub score 4), social support (sub score 3), cognition (sub score 4), communication (sub score 3) and bodily discomfort (sub score 3). The higher the score, the worse the symptoms. | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| Balance1 | Using the Biodex balance system. The postural stability test (PST) will be conducted. The results will be presented as actual score and standard deviation for both legs to determine an individuals ability to maintain balance. The lower the score the better. | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| Gait1 | For the timed-up-and-go test (TUG) participants will stand up, walk to the line on the floor, turn around and walk back to the chair and sit down. | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| Strength | Will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer. | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| Cognitive Assessment 1 | Scale of Outcomes of Parkinson Disease (SCOPA-COG), will be used to assess memory and visuospatial function. There are 5 sections: memory learning, attention, executive functions, visuo-spatial functions and memory. The total score that can be achieved is 43 (the higher the score the better). | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| cognitive assessment 3 | Completion of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). There are a total 30 points, the higher the score the better (26 and above is normal). | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| Balance 2 | Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). The total score that can be achieved is 16, the higher the percent the more self-confidence. | change from baseline at 12 weeks | 
| Cognitive assessment 2 | Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The total score than can be achieved is otal score 30 (the higher the score the better). | change from baseline at 12 weeks |