Do cognitive measures and brain circuitry predict outcomes of exercise in Parkinson Disease: a randomized clinical trial. Issue 1 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: King, LA; Peterson, DS; Mancini, M.; Carlson-Kuhta, P.; Fling, BW; Smulders, K.; Nutt, JG; Dale, M.; Carter, J.; Winters-Stone, KM; Horak, FB
• Is Part Of: BMC neurology. Volume 15:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Parkinson's disease -- Exercise -- Brain imaging -- and cognition; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0474-2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2377

Abstract

Abstract Background There is emerging research detailing the relationship between balance/gait/falls and cognition. Imaging studies also suggest a link between structural and functional changes in the frontal lobe (a region commonly associated with cognitive function) and mobility. People with Parkinson's disease have important changes in cognitive function that may impact rehabilitation efficacy. Our underlying hypothesis is that cognitive function and frontal lobe connections with the basal ganglia and brainstem posture/locomotor centers are responsible for postural deficits in people with Parkinson's disease and play a role in rehabilitation efficacy. The purpose of this study is to 1) determine if people with Parkinson's disease can improve mobility and/or cognition after partaking in a cognitively challenging mobility exercise program and 2) determine if cognition and brain circuitry deficits predict responsiveness to exercise rehabilitation. Methods/Design This study is a randomized cross-over controlled intervention to take place at a University Balance Disorders Laboratory. The study participants will be people with Parkinson's disease who meet inclusion criteria for the study. The intervention will be 6 weeks of group exercise (case) and 6 weeks of group education (control). The exercise is a cognitively challenging program based on the Agility Boot Camp for people with PD. The education program is a 6-week program to teach people how to better live with a chronic disease. The primary outcome measure is the MiniBESTest and the secondary outcomes are measures of mobility, cognition and neural imaging. Discussion The results from this study will further our understanding of the relationship between cognition and mobility with a focus on brain circuitry as it relates to rehabilitation potential. Trial registration This trial is registered at clinical trials.gov (NCT02231073 ).