Aquatic Group Exercise for People With Parkinson Disease

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will investigate the impact of land based or aquatic based group exercise on the balance, walking, balance confidence, and quality of life of people with idiopathic Parkinson disease. Participants will be randomized to participate in a land based or aquatic based group exercise program 2 times per week for 12 weeks. Prior to and after participation, balance, walking, quality of life, and balance confidence will be measured by a blinded examiner.

Official Title
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Comparison of Aquatic and Land-based Group Exercise for Individuals With Parkinson Disease

Conditions
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Parkinson Disease

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Land Based Exercise
* Other: Aquatic Exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: adults over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson disease. stable dose of levadopa medication for 30 days prior to study initiation able to walk 20 feet without physical assistance a referral from a physician to participate in physical therapy Exclusion Criteria: individuals with: uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions deep vein thrombosis in the last 6 months the use of breathing tube or feeding tube those with an extreme fear of exercising in the water an active dermatological condition (including eczema, psoriasis, or open wound) -any other neurological condition other than Parkinson disease a musculoskeletal condition that would impact their ability to participate in the exercise group cognitive impairment (a score of less than 24/30 on the Mini Mental Status Examination)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

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: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Aquatic Group Exercise<br> | Other: Aquatic Exercise<br>* Group exercise intervention will be held 2 times per week for 12 weeks and will include balance training, strengthening, gait training, and cardiovascular training.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Land Based Group Exercise<br> | Other: Land Based Exercise<br>* Group exercise intervention will be held 2 times per week for 12 weeks and will include balance training, strengthening, gait training, and cardiovascular training.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Mini-BESTest Score | The Mini-BESTest examines postural control. A higher scores means less balance impairment. | Prior to intervention, after 12 week intervention | 
| Change in Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS): Part III | The Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale examines motor function for people with Parkinson disease. A higher score indicates higher motor impairment related to Parkinson disease. | Prior to intervention, after 12 week intervention | 
| Change in Gait Speed | The 10 meter walk test will be examined at self selected and fast speeds to examine gait speed. | Prior to intervention, after 12 week intervention | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) | The Parkinson disease questionnaire-39 measures quality of life for people with Parkinson disease. A higher score means more quality of life limitations related to Parkinson disease. | Prior to intervention, after 12 week intervention | 
| Change in Falls Efficacy Scale-International. | The Falls Efficacy Scale-International measures a person's balance confidence. A higher score is related to worse balance confidence. | Prior to intervention, after 12 week intervention |