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Official Study Title: Qi Gong Exercise to Improve Balance for Parkinson Fall Prevention
Sponsor: National Parkinson Foundation
Clinicaltrials.gov ID:
Study ID: 117 - 08

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Qi Gong (Chinese Exercise) on balance and fall prevention for individuals 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). People with PD have twice the risk of fall as their non-PD peers. Medication and surgery have not ameliorated PD-related falls, which lead to mortality and morbidity. Exercise can improve postural stability (balance) and decrease risk of falls.

A repeated measures design will demonstrated differences in balance score and number of falls before and after three months of therapeutic Qi Gong. Balance will be evaluated before the intervention, after the intervention and one month after the end of the intervention. At the end of the study changes in balance and number of falls before and after the intervention will be compared. Participants will be asked not to add new exercise or medication during the intervention.

Study measures include balance testing, fall risk assessment and questions to evaluate participant’s ability to follow instructions. Study assessment will be completed in a location of the participant’s convenience. All exercise sessions will be conducted at Beth Israel’s School of Nursing in New York by a Qi Gong master.

Study Phase

Not Applicable
What is a study phase?

Symptoms Addressed: Movement Symptoms

Balance, Freeze Attacks,  Freeze AttacksThe sudden loss of ability to move. Loss of Motor Skills, Postural difficulties, 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. Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)  BradykinesiaSlowness of movement. , Uncontrollable movements (Dyskinesia)  DyskinesiaTwisting, turning or other abnormal involuntary movement usually involving the arms, legs, trunk, and head. It is most commonly associated with long-term use of levodopa. , 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.

Time Commitment

• Less than six months
• 1 hour per week for 12 weeks

Eligibility

• Minimum Age: 55
• Gender(s) Accepted: Either

Inclusion Criteria

• Be able to follow instructions and participate in Qi Gong
• Participants must have been diagnosed with PD
  

 

Exclusion Criteria

• Therapeutic Qi Gong training in the last three months previous to study
• People with PD in a very early stage, or undiagnosed with symptoms
• People with PD in very advanced stage, who are not ambulatory

Enrollment

Expected Enrollment: 50 (US)
Date Enrollment Began: Aug 01 2008
Last Updated Date: Aug 12 2008
Trial Post Date: Aug 12 2008
Website:

Primary Contacts and Locations

New York

• Sheree L. Loftus, PhD
  Beth Israel Neurology
  sloftus@chpnet.org
  Phone: (212) 844-8482
  10 Union Sq. E 5K
  New York, NY 10003
  USA