This study will investigate the feasibility of a 6-month community walking program for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their care partners in greater Saint Louis, Missouri region. The walking program will consist of weekly, organized walking groups at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Participants in the program will use Nordic walking poles during the walks. The walking group(s) will meet once per week and will be supervised by walking group leaders from Saint Louis University. Participants will be given a smart watch to wear that will help step counts will be tracked in real-time. The program is designed to get people with Parkinson's disease out of their homes, cultivate a culture of connection with others with Parkinson's disease, and to be collectively accountable for a common goal toward increasing their physical and social engagement in their communities.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
This is a group, community walking program at local parks using Nordic walking poles. Participants will be encouraged to walk briskly but safely for 60 minutes one time per week with the ultimate goal of using this community walking program to drive behavioral change (increased physical and social engagement in their communities) throughout the week.
Integrated Health and Movement Science Laboratory, Saint Louis University
St Louis, Missouri, United States
RECRUITINGSafety/Rate of Falls - Feasibility
The rate falls related to walking program participation.
Time frame: From enrollment to both the 6 and 12 month endpoints
Enrollment - Feasibility
The percentage of eligible participants that enroll in the study.
Time frame: Through enrollment of all the study participants
Attendance - Feasibility
The percentage of attended walking program session across all enrolled participants.
Time frame: Enrollment through the 6- and 12-month endpoints
Steps per Day
This outcome will be captured via wearable sensors worn through the duration of study participation.
Time frame: From baseline assessment through the the end of the fall reporting period at 18 months
Balance Discordance
This is the difference between actual balance confidence (captured via the activities specific balance confidence scale) and predicted balance confidence (modeled from time to complete the Timed Up and Go Test).
Time frame: From baseline assessment through the 6- and 12-month endpoints
Loneliness
Assessed with the 20 item UCLA loneliness scale in which subjects rate the degree of loneliness that they experience in daily life. The scale has a minimum score of 20 and maximum score of 80 with higher scores indicating that the individual is experience more loneliness.
Time frame: From baseline assessment through the 6- and 12-month endpoints
Social Connection
Assessed with the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index, an 11-item questionnaire in which participants rate their perceived social network and isolation. The index has a minimum score of zero and maximum score of 11 with higher score indicating a larger and stronger social network.
Time frame: From baseline assessment through the 6- and 12-month endpoints
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