Tai Chi for Enhancing Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease

Harvard University Faculty of Medicine

Status

Completed

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Treatments

Other: Tai Chi

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT02418780

2013P002343

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this feasibility study is to preliminarily evaluate the effects of Tai Chi - a mind-body exercise - on motor and cognitive function as well as quality of life in individuals recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Full description

Specific Aim 1: To assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining individuals with PD into a 6-month randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi exercise.

Specific Aim 2: To collect preliminary data on the efficacy of Tai Chi on improving gait and balance dynamics, physical and cognitive function, exercise activity, self-efficacy, mood, and quality of life in individuals with PD.

Enrollment

32 patients

Sex

All

Ages

40 to 75 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Individuals recently diagnosed with idiopathic PD (≤ 10 years)
Limited disease progression
If taking PD-related medication, willingness to undergo baseline and follow-up testing while off medication
Willingness to commit to the study protocols and complete Tai Chi program
Willingness to be videotaped and audio-recorded during testing

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosis of any form of atypical parkinsonism
History of: stroke, head trauma, brain tumor, brain injury, seizures or other central nervous system condition, orthopedic impairment or other disease that could likely contribute to a gait disturbance or parkinsonism
Any severe, chronic condition or acute medical event for which participation in exercise programs is contraindicated (e.g. debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis, history of frequent falls, unhealed fracture)**

** Unless the participant is able to obtain formal written approval from his/her treating physician granting permission to participate in our Tai Chi exercise program
Participation in brain stimulation within the past 3 months
Family history of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness
Current history of dementia or severe psychiatric illness. Patients with mild (non-suicidal) depression and/or anxiety may be included
Acute illness requiring hospitalization within past 3 months
History of deep brain stimulation or other brain surgery
Participation in brain stimulation within the past 3 months
Regular use of walking aid
Significant Tai Chi experience (> 6 months training in past 2 years)