Exercise as Treatment of Fatigue in Parkinson´s Disease

Summary

The primary goal of this study is to test whether 12 weeks of high-intensity aerobic exercise can treat fatigue in Parkinsons disease (PD). The study will be a randomized multi-site controlled trial with follow up. Clinically fatigued persons with PD will be allocated to either 12 weeks of high-intensity aerobic exercise or to a waitlist control group receiving high-intensity resistance exercise after 24 weeks of habitual lifestyle (control period). It is hypothesized that persons with PD receiving 12 weeks of high-intensity aerobic exercise will show superior effects on perceived fatigue (i.e., clinical relevant reductions) when compared to the PD control group (primary hypothesis), and that these effects are sustained after 12-weeks of follow up (secondary hypothesis).

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Minimum 40 years
* Diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinsons disease
* Stable in medical treatment for six month
* Able to transport themselves to and from exercise and testing sessions (with or without assistance)
* H\&Y score of three or lower

Exclusion criteria:

* Performing high-intensity exercise more than two times per week
* Significant medical comorbidities such as cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, metabolic, or other neurological disorders
* Cognitive dysfunction that prevents following or understanding instructions related to training and testing (answering questionnaires)
* Known depression or alcohol abuse

Conditions1

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