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“I participate because it is the right thing to do, for myself, for my children, and for the millions of people who have Parkinson’s disease. Without participation there will be no cure.” –Mike, Diagnosed 7 years
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Unveiling the Natural History of Quality of Life and Mobility Decline in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease
Official Study Title: Unveiling the Natural History of Quality of Life and Mobility Decline in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Sponsor: Davis Phinney Foundation, 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. Foundation
Clinicaltrials.gov ID:
Study ID:
Summary
Little is known about how Parkinson’s disease (PD) impacts the quality of life and day to day function of people living with this disease. Investigators of this study are interested in learning more about the changes in quality of life and mobility that occur in people with PD over the course of the disease. People with PD will be asked to answer questions about their quality of life and daily function in addition to participating in tests which examine walking and balance.
In addition, the investigators of this study are interested in participants’ views on exercises and their exercise habits. Previous research has demonstrated that exercise improves quality of life and mobility in people with PD. Participants will be asked to answer questions about the types of activities and exercise they are engaging in, their attitudes and beliefs about exercise and the barriers that may limit participation in exercise. This information will help investigators optimize the design of exercise programs for people with PD.
Participants will undergo this evaluation process once every six months over a two-year period so that investigators can examine the changes that occur in quality of life, mobility and exercise habits over the course of the disease.
Study Phase
Not Applicable
What is a study phase?
Symptoms Addressed: Study does not address symptoms
Study does not address symptoms
Time Commitment
- More than six months
- Examinations every 6 months for 2 years
Eligibility
- Minimum Age: 40
- Gender(s) Accepted: Either
Inclusion Criteria
- Male or a female at least 40 years of age or older
- PD diagnosed by a neurologist NeurologistA physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system.
- Mild to moderate disease severity
- Living in the Community (not institutionalized)
- Able to attend assessment sessions
- Able to provide informed consent Informed ConsentThe process of providing information to potential study participants to help them decide whether or not to enroll in a specific clinical trial. (either individually or via a care giver)
Exclusion Criteria
- Diagnosis of atypical Parkinsonism
- Late-stage PD, or high disease severity
- Previous surgical management of PD (pallidotomy, DBS)
Enrollment
Expected Enrollment: 200 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: Aug 2009
Date Enrollment Ends: Dec 2011
Last Updated Date: Aug 18 2009
Trial Post Date: Aug 18 2009
Website:
Primary Contacts and Locations
All States
- Heather Boies
Research Coordinator
Phone: (801) 581-7970
All States
USA
Local Contacts and Locations
Alabama
- Matthew Ford
The University of Alabama at Birmingham; School of Health Professions
mford@uab.edu
Phone: (205) 934-8517
1530 3rd Ave South, SHP 334
Birmingham, AL 35294
USA
Massachusetts
- Terry Ellis
Boston University; College of Health and Rehabilitation Science
tellis@bu.edu
Phone: (617) 353-7525
635 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
USA
Missouri
- Gammon Earhart
Washington University School of Medicine
earhartg@wusm.wustl.edu
Phone: (314) 286-1478
Campus Box 8502
4444 Forest Park Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108
USA
Utah
- Lee Dibble
University of Utah
Lee.Dibble@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: (801) 581-4637
520 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
USA

















