A randomised controlled trial to reduce the risk of falling in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and The University of New South Wales are seeking research volunteers to help us learn about reactive and volitional step training to reduce falls among people with Parkinson’s disease.

Would the research project be a good fit for me?

The study might be a good fit for you if:

• Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (mild to moderate stage of the disease)
• Aged 40 years or older
• Living independently in the community or retirement village
• Able to communicate in English language
• Do not have a diagnosis of other neurological and/​or cognitive impairments, atypical Parkinsonism
• No recent history ( 6months) of deep-brain stimulation surgery
• Able to walk 30 metres unassisted
• Have had less than 20 falls in the past three months
• Being stable on anti-Parkinson medications for >= 1 month

What would happen if I took part in the research project?

If you decide to take part you would:

• Be invited to visit NeuRA to assess your physical functions, clinical status, reactive stepping and brain functioning (non-invasively) (option to have some of the assessments conducted in your home); these assessments will be repeated after 3 months and you will receive summary results of these assessments
• Be randomly allocated to one of two groups: one group will undertake 3 months of training, including a volitional step training program in your home plus 2 sessions of reactive step training at NeuRA. The other group will continue with their usual activities for 3 months.

Will I be paid to take part in the research project?

You may be reimbursed for any reasonable travel costs associated with the research project visit/​s.

Contact

If you would like more information or are interested in being part of the study please contact

Contact person: Paulo Pelicioni
email: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Phone: 02 9399 1024

HREC Approval Number: 180129