Step Up to PD: A Community-based Walking Program for People With Parkinson's Disease

Launched by ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY · Feb 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial titled "Step Up to PD" is studying a community-based walking program designed for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their caregivers in the greater Saint Louis area. The program will run for six months and involves weekly organized walking groups at the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens. Participants will use special Nordic walking poles to enhance their walking experience and will wear smartwatches to track their steps in real-time. This initiative aims to encourage participants to get out of their homes, connect with others facing similar challenges, and work together to improve their physical and social engagement in the community.

To be eligible for the study, participants should be between 30 and 85 years old, have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease from a neurologist, and be able to walk independently, even if they need some assistance like a cane or walker. They should also be willing to commit to the study for at least six months. However, individuals with other serious health conditions, additional neurological diseases, significant cognitive impairment, or poor walking ability may not be able to join the program. Participants can look forward to a supportive environment that encourages physical activity and community connection, all while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 30-85 years old
• • Neurologist-diagnosed Parkinson's disease
• • Able to walk independently with or without a walking aid (e.g., cane, walker)
• • Willing to participate in study for at least 6 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Health diagnosis that would limit exercise participation (e.g., heart problems, uncontrolled blood pressure, exercise-induced asthma).
• • Additional neurologic disease or injury beyond Parkinson's disease.
• • Evidence of significant cognitive impairment. This will be determined by completing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
• • Participants with poor walking ability (determined using the Timed Up and Go Test during initial testing).