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Official Study Title: Effectiveness  EffectivenessAbility of a drug or treatment to produce a result. of a Short-term Occupational Therapy  Occupational TherapyA treatment that helps people achieve independence in all areas of their lives and addresses psychological, social, and environmental factors that may hinder functioning. Program on Functional Activity Performance, Motor Initiation, Posture, Strength, and Occupational Participation in Persons with Parkinson's Disease
Sponsor: University of New England Department of Occupational Therapy
Clinicaltrials.gov ID:
Study ID: IRB#  IRBA committee of physicians, statisticians, researchers, community advocates, and others chosen by an institution to initially approve and periodically review research projects involving human participants. Federal law requires this to ensure protection of participants’ safety, rights and welfare. 20071130MOYEE

Summary

This small study will evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term occupational therapy  TherapyAnother word for “treatment”. program for persons with Parkinson's disease  Parkinson's DiseaseA chronic, slowly progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by the combination of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and stooped posture, among other symptoms. (PD). Occupational therapy uses meaningful functional and creative activities to promote recovery of lost abilities and to delay decline in one's ability to perform everyday activities. Participants in the study will receive 10 free one-hour OT sessions over four weeks, as well as two or three free two-hour assessments. Participants will also be contacted nine months later to measure long-term effects. The control group  Control Group (Comparison Group)Clinical trial participants who are given either a standard treatment or a placebo instead of the investigational drug or treatment being tested. will receive the same intervention but will be delayed four weeks. Therapy sessions will focus on improving coordination, balance, strength, thinking skills, visual perception, breathing, daily living skills, and posture. The effect of the program on apathy, depression, and quality of life will also be assessed.

Study Phase

Not Applicable
What is a study phase?

Symptoms Addressed: Movement and Non-movement

Writing difficulty, Walking/Gait,  GaitWay of walking, which is diminished in people with Parkinson’s who tend to shuffle their feet, take too short steps, and not swing one or both arms. Vision Changes, Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)  BradykinesiaSlowness of movement. , Sleep disturbances, Memory, Loss of Motor Skills, Loss of Energy, Freeze Attacks,  Freeze AttacksThe sudden loss of ability to move. Depression, Cognitive  CognitiveRelated to mental activities having to do with perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. Moods, Balance

Time Commitment

• More than six months
• 10 one-hour sessions over 4 weeks; 2 or 3 two-hour assessments; two-hour assessment 9 months later.

Eligibility

• Gender(s) Accepted: Either
• Study is enrolling non-PD participants

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
• Able to walk 50 feet with or without use of walker, cane or handheld assistance
• Able to hear a drum beat
• Able to read large print
• Must have occupational therapy referral from regular physician

Exclusion Criteria

• Persons taking a regular exercise program, occupational therapy, or physical therapy at the same time may need to modify these or take a hiatus for the 4 week intervention period.

Enrollment

Expected Enrollment: 40 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: Mar 04 2008
Last Updated Date: Apr 01 2008
Trial Post Date: Apr 01 2008
Website:

Primary Contacts and Locations

Maine

• Beth Moyer — Department of Occupational Therapy
  University of New England
  emoyer@une.edu
  Phone: (207) 221-4104
  Marcil Hall
  Biddeford, ME 04005
  USA