Barre Exercise in Parkinson's

The Washington University

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 1

Conditions: Parkinson Disease

Treatments: Behavioral: Barre exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06203990

202312097

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study asks if a barre exercise program is a feasible and acceptable form of exercise for individuals with Parkinson disease. The study will also evaluate barre's potential effects on motor outcomes, including balance, strength, and functional mobility.

Full description

The primary objectives of this study are to: 1) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a barre exercise intervention and 2) gather preliminary data regarding the effect of a barre exercise intervention on balance, strength, functional mobility and quality of life in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson disease (PD). Individuals with PD (N=15) will be recruited to participate in a pilot barre exercise class led by a certified barre instructor. The intervention will include 24, 45-50 minute group classes (twice weekly for 12 weeks, excluding holidays). Pre- and post-intervention data collection will include assessments of balance, lower extremity strength, and functional mobility.

Enrollment: 13 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosed by a neurologist with idiopathic Parkinson disease
• at least 18 years of age
• a score on the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale between I-III to indicate mild to moderate disease severity
• able to provide informed consent
• able to walk for 10 continuous minutes without assistance from another person
• stable medication regimen for at least one month prior to enrollment

Exclusion criteria

• any neurological condition other than PD
• history of orthopedic or other medical conditions that limit the ability to safely participate in the intervention or
• language, visual, or hearing barriers to participation
• evidence of dementia (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 24) to ensure understanding of the intervention class instructions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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13 participants in 1 patient group

Barre class

Experimental group

Description:

Barre is an exercise modality that combines elements of classical ballet with strength training. Barre involves high repetitions of low impact, isometric movements, requires little to no equipment, and is highly modifiable for different fitness levels. Barre is traditionally performed in a class setting, which promotes increased social interaction and builds community. Furthermore, interventions with dance elements exhibit high adherence rates (often \> 80%).The exercises in a barre class are also performed holding on to a fixed barre or on the floor, which may address people with PD's fear of falling.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Barre exercise