Priming Through Timing. Using Opposing Strategies to Enhance Motor Learning for Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine how using auditory cues of a metronome at various frequencies impacts the gait mechanics and balance in people with Parkinson's disease when walking over ground and on a treadmill. We will enroll 10 participants with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (Stages 2 or 3). All participants will complete 18 training sessions over 6 weeks and participate in pre- and post-testing of gait and balance.

Official Title
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Priming Through Timing. Using Opposing Strategies to Enhance Motor Learning for Improved Gait in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

Conditions
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Parkinson Disease

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (made by movement disorders specialist) will be included in this study. Additional inclusion criteria include: self-reported ability to walk  6 minutes overground as well as walk on a treadmill for a total of 10 minutes with rest breaks as needed, and be classified as Stage 2, or 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr Scale (Goetz et. al, 2004). Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria include Hoehn and Yahr Stages 1, 4, or 5, uncontrolled cardiorespiratory/metabolic disease (e.g., cardiac arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, orthostatic hypertension, chronic emphysema), or other neurological or orthopedic disorders that may affect walking. The investigators will also exclude participants with severe communication impairments, which could impede understanding of the purpose or procedures of the study or an inability to comply with experimental procedures.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 99 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
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation<br>Participants will walk on treadmill to metronome set at 85% of typical cadence, followed by overground walking with metronome set at 115% of typical cadence. | Other: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation<br>* Participants will complete 6 weeks of walking training (3x/week). During each session, participants will walk on a treadmill for up to 20 minutes (stepping to a metronome at 85% of typical cadence) followed by overground walking for up to 15 minutes (stepping to a metronome at 115% of typical cadence).<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| gait speed | distance traveled during a 6 minute walk test | one week following conclusion of training | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| cadence | number of steps per minute | one week following conclusion of training | 
| stride length | average length of strides (distance traveled/number of strides) | one week following conclusion of training | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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gait, balance, auditory cues