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Official Study Title: Tai Chi  Tai chiRhythmic patterns of gentle, flowing movements coordinated with breathing. Described as "meditation in motion," Tai chi promotes serenity, connecting the mind and body, stress reduction, and improvements to overall health. Tai chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. and Parkinson’s Disease
Sponsor: Oregon Research Institute, NINDS
Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00611481
Study ID: NS047130

Summary

This study will examine how Tai Chi exercise affects balance, 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. muscle strength and general physical performance in people with Parkinson’s disease. The trial is comprised of three experimental arms: Tai Chi, conventional strength training, and a low-impact exercise control. Randomized participants in each intervention arm  ArmAny of the treatment groups in a randomized trial. Most randomized trials have two "arms," but some have three "arms," or even more. receive a 60-minute exercise program, two times per week, for 26 consecutive weeks. Study outcome measures will be collected at baseline,  BaselinBeginning measurements against which a participant’s progress can be quantified at the end of a study. three months, and at the six-month termination, and again at three months post-intervention.

Study Phase

Phase 2
What is a study phase?

Symptoms Addressed: Movement Symptoms

Balance, Walking/Gait

Time Commitment

• Six months
• Twice weekly.

Eligibility

• Minimum Age: 40
• Maximum Age: 75
• Gender(s) Accepted: Either

Inclusion Criteria

• A diagnosis of idiopathic  IdiopathicOf, relating to, or designating a disease having no known cause. PD
• Exhibiting either tremor,  TremorShaking or rhythmic movement, especially in the hands but in other parts of the body. Often occurs when at rest, such as in the RESTING TREMOR. rigidity,  RigidityA symptom in which muscles feel stiff and display resistance to movement even when another person tries to move the affected part of the body. or bradykinesia  BradykinesiaSlowness of movement.
• Stable medication usage
• Having not participated in a structured exercise program (i.e., not involved in any routine, organized physical activity program lasting 30 minutes or more per day, such as a gym program or regularly scheduled instructor-led exercise class) in the previous 2 months
• Ability to stand unaided or walk independently; had a personal physician's or neurologist'  NeurologistA physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. s clearance for participation; and had a willingness to be assigned to intervention conditions

Exclusion Criteria

• Having participated in any other behavioral or pharmacological research study
• Have cognitive  CognitiveRelated to mental activities having to do with perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. decline
• Have self-reported diagnosis of Alzheimer disease or other severe neurological disorder
• Have evidence of progressive or debilitating conditions (metastatic cancer, severe heart or lung disease, crippling arthritis) or severe losses in vision and hearing that would limit their tolerance to testing and training procedures, that would interfere with study participation
• Being unavailable during the study period

Enrollment

Expected Enrollment: 60 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: May 2008
Date Enrollment Ends: Dec 2010
Last Updated Date: Sep 02 2008
Trial Post Date: Aug 25 2008
Website: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00611481?term=NCT00611481&rank=1

Primary Contacts and Locations

Oregon

• Fuzhong Li, Ph.D.
  Oregon Research Institute
  fuzhongl@ori.org
  Phone: (541) 484-2123 x2137
  1715 Franklin Blvd.
  Eugene, OR 97403
  USA
  

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