Rehabilitation Approaches for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

This trial aims to determine how two different exercise programs can help people with Parkinson's disease who experience Freezing of Gait (FOG), a condition where walking suddenly stops. Participants will join one of two groups to try either agility-focused exercises or strength-focused exercises. The goal is to identify which program better improves walking and balance in daily life. Individuals with Parkinson's who frequently experience sudden stops while walking might be well-suited for this study. The trial will use the TURN-IT FOG approach, specifically designed to address these challenges. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance daily living for those with Parkinson's.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those who have had a recent change in medication. It's best to discuss your specific situation with the trial coordinators.

Research has shown that exercise programs like those in this trial are generally safe for people with Parkinson's disease. These exercises aim to improve movement and balance, which are crucial for managing symptoms such as difficulty walking. The activities typically help strengthen muscles and enhance coordination, reducing the risk of falling.

Although specific data for these exact exercises is not available, similar exercise programs have been used successfully in other settings. Participants often experience only minor side effects, such as muscle soreness or tiredness, which are common when starting any new physical activity. These mild effects usually decrease as the body adapts to the exercises.

Researchers are excited about TURN-IT FOG because it offers a fresh approach to addressing freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease through targeted exercise interventions. Unlike standard treatments like medication and deep brain stimulation, which often focus on managing symptoms or altering brain activity, this trial explores dynamic balance and strength training exercises to directly enhance gait stability. By potentially improving movement control and balance through physical rehabilitation, TURN-IT FOG aims to provide a non-invasive, drug-free option that could complement existing therapies and offer new hope for patients struggling with mobility issues.

Research shows that exercises focused on turning can effectively help people with Parkinson's disease who experience Freezing of Gait (FOG). Studies have found that turning commonly triggers FOG, affecting nearly 28% of patients during these movements. In this trial, participants in the dynamic balance exercise intervention group will work on agility and balance, potentially improving their ability to move without freezing. Meanwhile, those in the strength training exercise intervention group will focus on overall walking problems, which can reduce FOG episodes. While both types of exercises offer benefits, targeting specific triggers like turning might provide more targeted results for those dealing with FOG.¹³⁶⁷⁸