NCT03555695

Kick Out Parkinson's Disease- Karate Intervention

Karate Intervention to Change Kinematic Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 19 (actual)
• Sponsor: Rush University Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 90 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The benefits of exercise for general health and wellbeing in older adults are well-established. Balance exercises such as tai chi and yoga, along with resistance training, can improve or maintain physical function in older adults and enhance muscle strength. Furthermore, aerobic activity is critical for maintaining and improving cardiovascular and functional health. Noncontact boxing has recently seen a surge in popularity among individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD), with components of both aerobic and balance exercise. While participants anecdotally note improvements in stress and physical function, this has only been minimally studied. However, drawing on this experience and the combined aerobic, balance, and mindfulness practices that comprise karate, we hypothesize that participation in structured karate programs may offer similar or greater benefits. Specifically, the aim of this study is to test whether and to what degree a community-based karate class tailored for individuals with early- to middle-stage Parkinson's Disease (PD) 1) is feasible; and 2) improves objective and patient-reported outcomes.

Detailed description

For 10 weeks, eligible subjects will engage in twice-weekly karate classes, specifically designed for individuals with early to middle stage PD, focused on incorporating upper and lower limb movements in multiple directions, increasing awareness throughout the body, shifting body weight and rotation, relaxation of the muscles, improving reaction time, using complex repetitive actions to improve coordination, footwork training and centered weight shifts to help with fall prevention, and striking shields for self-defense and stress relief. Before beginning the karate classes, each subject will attend a pre-intervention focus group during which subjects will complete an assessment focused on overall mobility, gait, balance, mood, and quality of life. Subjects will be prompted to share their thoughts on exercise, balance, and mindfulness practices in general and in PD specifically. Following the 10 weeks of twice-weekly karate classes, subjects will attend a post-intervention assessment and focus group during which the pre-intervention assessments will be repeated and the subject's impressions about the karate classes and their effectiveness will be measured. Finally, the study team will contact subjects 6 months post-intervention to assess continued engagement in karate or related activities and again, the subject's quality of life and global impression of change.

Conditions

• Parkinson Disease

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Karate Classes	Eligible subjects will engage in twice-weekly karate classes for 10 weeks, specifically designed for individuals with early to middle stage PD, focused on incorporating upper and lower limb movements in multiple directions, increasing awareness throughout the body, shifting body weight and rotation, relaxation of the muscles, improving reaction time, using complex repetitive actions to improve coordination, footwork training and centered weight shifts to help with fall prevention, and striking shields for self-defense and stress relief.
BEHAVIORAL	Pre-Intervention Focus Group	At the pre-intervention focus group, the study logistics will be reviewed, informed consent process will occur, the subject will complete a brief, individual pre-intervention assessment focused on overall mobility, gait, balance, mood, neurological status, and quality of life, and the subjects will be prompted to share aloud their thoughts on exercise, balance, and mindfulness practices in general and in PD specifically, and any expectations or preconceptions that they have regarding karate classes for PD.
BEHAVIORAL	Post-Intervention Focus Group	At the post-intervention focus group, the pre-intervention assessments will be readministered, along with an assessment of the subject's global impression of change. Subjects will be prompted to share their thoughts on how the intervention impacted their overall wellbeing, balance, and mindfulness; whether the intervention achieved their expectations; and they will be asked to provide feedback for improvements.

Timeline

• Start date: 2018-06-18
• Primary completion: 2018-09-06
• Completion: 2019-03-31
• First posted: 2018-06-13
• Last updated: 2023-10-12
• Results posted: 2023-10-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States