Trial Outcomes & Findings for Pragmatic Cyclical Lower Extremity Exercise Trial for Parkinson's Disease (NCT NCT04000360)

NCT ID: NCT04000360

Last Updated: 2025-06-18

Results Overview

Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III: Motor Examination score, measured off medication. Range of scores is 0 to 132, with lower score indicating better motor function.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

256 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Results posted on

2025-06-18

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Overall Study
STARTED
129
127
Overall Study
COMPLETED
123
123
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
6
4

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

All observed data are summarized; 5 participants, 3 in the aerobic exercise (AE) and 2 in the usual care (UC) arm, withdrew prior to initiating randomized treatment and follow-up, of whom 4 had not yet completed the baseline MDS-UPDRS III. One participant was withdrawn by the study PI due to periodic atrial fibrillation, 2 withdrew due to COVID-19 pandemic-related logistical issues and safety concerns, and 2 withdrew due to dissatisfaction with their randomized usual care assignments.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease patients receiving a Peloton indoor cycle and a heart rate monitor strap delivered to the home, and asked to cycle 3x/week for 12 months with goal of progressing to 45 minute sessions with the heart rate monitor at an aerobic intensity between 60-80% of heart rate reserve with a target cadence between 80-90 revolutions per minute (RPMs). Participants also receive and are asked to wear activity monitors throughout the day to monitor daily. activity levels. Participants also receive biweekly telephone calls to review electronic activity monitoring and exercise data, monitor falls and adverse events, and for guidance on progressing their cycling exercise sessions. See Alberts JL et al., Physical Therapy, 2021;101:1-10.
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease patients receiving no active exercise intervention through the research. These participants continued to receive usual and customary care (UCC) for their Parkinson's disease during the 12 month follow-up period. Participants receive and are asked to wear activity monitors throughout the day to monitor daily activity levels, and not to commence a cycling exercise program for the duration of the 12 month follow-up period. Participants also receive biweekly telephone calls to review electronic activity monitoring data, monitor falls and adverse events, and to provide them similar contact time as for the active exercise group.
Total
n=256 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=129 Participants
0 Participants
n=127 Participants
0 Participants
n=256 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
70 Participants
n=129 Participants
53 Participants
n=127 Participants
123 Participants
n=256 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
59 Participants
n=129 Participants
74 Participants
n=127 Participants
133 Participants
n=256 Participants
Age, Continuous
63.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.6 • n=129 Participants
65.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.2 • n=127 Participants
64.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.5 • n=256 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Sex/Prefer not to answer
1 Participants
n=129 Participants
0 Participants
n=127 Participants
1 Participants
n=256 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Male
86 Participants
n=129 Participants
84 Participants
n=127 Participants
170 Participants
n=256 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Female
42 Participants
n=129 Participants
43 Participants
n=127 Participants
85 Participants
n=256 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
4 Participants
n=129 Participants
2 Participants
n=127 Participants
6 Participants
n=256 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
125 Participants
n=129 Participants
125 Participants
n=127 Participants
250 Participants
n=256 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=129 Participants
0 Participants
n=127 Participants
0 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=129 Participants
1 Participants
n=127 Participants
1 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
2 Participants
n=129 Participants
1 Participants
n=127 Participants
3 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=129 Participants
0 Participants
n=127 Participants
0 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
3 Participants
n=129 Participants
1 Participants
n=127 Participants
4 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
123 Participants
n=129 Participants
121 Participants
n=127 Participants
244 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants
n=129 Participants
3 Participants
n=127 Participants
4 Participants
n=256 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=129 Participants
0 Participants
n=127 Participants
0 Participants
n=256 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
129 participants
n=129 Participants
127 participants
n=127 Participants
256 participants
n=256 Participants
Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (Motor Examination)
38.5 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.6 • n=127 Participants • All observed data are summarized; 5 participants, 3 in the aerobic exercise (AE) and 2 in the usual care (UC) arm, withdrew prior to initiating randomized treatment and follow-up, of whom 4 had not yet completed the baseline MDS-UPDRS III. One participant was withdrawn by the study PI due to periodic atrial fibrillation, 2 withdrew due to COVID-19 pandemic-related logistical issues and safety concerns, and 2 withdrew due to dissatisfaction with their randomized usual care assignments.
36.9 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.2 • n=125 Participants • All observed data are summarized; 5 participants, 3 in the aerobic exercise (AE) and 2 in the usual care (UC) arm, withdrew prior to initiating randomized treatment and follow-up, of whom 4 had not yet completed the baseline MDS-UPDRS III. One participant was withdrawn by the study PI due to periodic atrial fibrillation, 2 withdrew due to COVID-19 pandemic-related logistical issues and safety concerns, and 2 withdrew due to dissatisfaction with their randomized usual care assignments.
37.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.9 • n=252 Participants • All observed data are summarized; 5 participants, 3 in the aerobic exercise (AE) and 2 in the usual care (UC) arm, withdrew prior to initiating randomized treatment and follow-up, of whom 4 had not yet completed the baseline MDS-UPDRS III. One participant was withdrawn by the study PI due to periodic atrial fibrillation, 2 withdrew due to COVID-19 pandemic-related logistical issues and safety concerns, and 2 withdrew due to dissatisfaction with their randomized usual care assignments.
Clinical Site
Cleveland Clinic
66 Participants
n=129 Participants
65 Participants
n=127 Participants
131 Participants
n=256 Participants
Clinical Site
University of Utah
63 Participants
n=129 Participants
62 Participants
n=127 Participants
125 Participants
n=256 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Means and standard deviations are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic modeling results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III: Motor Examination score, measured off medication. Range of scores is 0 to 132, with lower score indicating better motor function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III: Motor Examination Score
6 months
35.9 Score on a scale
Standard Deviation 14.1
38.8 Score on a scale
Standard Deviation 15.7
Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III: Motor Examination Score
Baseline
38.5 Score on a scale
Standard Deviation 15.6
36.9 Score on a scale
Standard Deviation 14.2
Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III: Motor Examination Score
12 months
37.1 Score on a scale
Standard Deviation 13.7
40.5 Score on a scale
Standard Deviation 16.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Medians and interquartile ranges are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

The 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) evaluates gait speed similarly in separate trials with the participant instructed to walk at comfortable and fast pace, and velocity timed over the middle six meters. This outcome is the velocity (meters/second) with instructions to walk at a comfortable pace, performed off medication. Higher velocities indicate better motor function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Comfortable Pace Velocity
Baseline
1.22 meters/second
Interval 1.07 to 1.39
1.26 meters/second
Interval 1.1 to 1.38
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Comfortable Pace Velocity
6 months
1.23 meters/second
Interval 1.09 to 1.39
1.25 meters/second
Interval 1.08 to 1.36
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Comfortable Pace Velocity
12 months
1.24 meters/second
Interval 1.08 to 1.39
1.24 meters/second
Interval 1.06 to 1.38

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Means and standard deviations are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

The 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) evaluates gait speed similarly in separate trials with the participant instructed to walk at comfortable and fast pace, and velocity timed over the middle six meters. This outcome is the velocity (meters/second) with instructions to walk at a fast pace, performed off medication. Higher velocities indicate better motor function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Fast Pace Velocity
Baseline
1.66 meters/second
Standard Deviation 0.34
1.67 meters/second
Standard Deviation 0.33
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Fast Pace Velocity
6 months
1.67 meters/second
Standard Deviation 0.35
1.64 meters/second
Standard Deviation 0.36
10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Fast Pace Velocity
12 months
1.67 meters/second
Standard Deviation 0.36
1.64 meters/second
Standard Deviation 0.39

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Medians and interquartile ranges are reported for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic modeling results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

iPad-facilitated Timed Up and Go Test duration, measured off medication. The Timed "Up \& Go" (TUG) Test requires an individual to (1) stand from a chair, (2) ambulate 3 m, (3) turn 180 degrees, (4) ambulate back to the chair, and (5) turn and sit. To perform an instrumented TUG, an Apple iPad is attached to the individual's waist (sacral level) via an adjustable belt. This outcome is the total time to complete this test, in seconds, measured off medication. Lower times indicate better motor function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Duration
Baseline
9.9 seconds
Interval 8.5 to 11.7
10.0 seconds
Interval 8.6 to 11.7
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Duration
6 months
10.4 seconds
Interval 8.7 to 11.5
10.3 seconds
Interval 8.9 to 12.0
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Duration
12 months
9.9 seconds
Interval 8.7 to 11.9
10.3 seconds
Interval 8.8 to 12.1

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Means and standard deviations are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

iPad-facilitated Timed Up and Go Test mean turning velocity, measured off medication. The Timed "Up \& Go" (TUG) Test requires an individual to (1) stand from a chair, (2) ambulate 3 m, (3) turn 180 degrees, (4) ambulate back to the chair, and (5) turn and sit. To perform an instrumented TUG, an Apple iPad is attached to the individual's waist (sacral level) via an adjustable belt. This outcome is the mean velocity during performance of step (3), turn 180 degrees, in degrees/second, measured off medication. Higher turn velocities indicate better motor function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=127 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=125 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Turning Velocity
Baseline
77.3 degrees/second
Standard Deviation 19.0
78.5 degrees/second
Standard Deviation 16.6
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Turning Velocity
6 months
76.3 degrees/second
Standard Deviation 18.0
74.5 degrees/second
Standard Deviation 18.6
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Turning Velocity
12 months
77.1 degrees/second
Standard Deviation 18.5
76.8 degrees/second
Standard Deviation 18.9

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Medians and interquartile ranges are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

Manual Dexterity Test time to completion in seconds, measured off medication. This test is an electronic (iPad-based), modified version of the 9-hole peg test, where an individual is required to grasp, transfer, and release pegs into a 3×3 grid. Participants are asked to grasp and place pegs into holes, and then to return them to their starting locations, as rapidly as possible. Completion times for two repetitions conducted with each hand were averaged. Shorter completion times indicate better motor function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Manual Dexterity Test Completion Time
Baseline
26.4 Time (seconds) to completion
Interval 22.7 to 30.2
26.1 Time (seconds) to completion
Interval 23.7 to 29.1
Manual Dexterity Test Completion Time
6 months
26.4 Time (seconds) to completion
Interval 23.9 to 30.3
26.0 Time (seconds) to completion
Interval 23.7 to 29.4
Manual Dexterity Test Completion Time
12 months
26.1 Time (seconds) to completion
Interval 23.2 to 30.3
26.5 Time (seconds) to completion
Interval 23.0 to 29.7

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Medians and interquartile ranges are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

The Processing Speed Test is a self-administered electronic (iPad) facilitated symbol-number matching task that is similar to the Symbol Digital Modalities Test. Participants are shown a table with numerical labels for 9 disparate symbols, and a second table with a row of such symbols and a blank row beneath it, and asked to complete the second table with the numbers from the first table corresponding to each symbol in the second. When the table is completed, additional tables are shown. The response recorded is the number of correct matches of symbols with numbers in 120 seconds, measured off medication. Higher values indicate faster neural processing.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Processing Speed Test Match Score
Baseline
45.0 Correct symbol/number matches
Interval 39.0 to 51.0
44.0 Correct symbol/number matches
Interval 38.0 to 49.0
Processing Speed Test Match Score
6 month
46.0 Correct symbol/number matches
Interval 37.5 to 51.0
45.0 Correct symbol/number matches
Interval 37.0 to 49.0
Processing Speed Test Match Score
12 month
44.0 Correct symbol/number matches
Interval 37.0 to 53.0
45.0 Correct symbol/number matches
Interval 37.0 to 53.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Medians and interquartile ranges are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

Participants completed iPad versions of Trail Making Tests A and B (TMT A and B, respectively), with durations in seconds recorded for each. TMT A, considered predominantly a motor task, requires the participant to use a stylus to connect dots in ascending numeric order (1-2-3-4 . . . ). The TMT B, requires the participant to connect dots in an ascending and alternating alpha and numeric order (1-A-2-B . . . .). The total times to complete each of the TMT A and B tasks are automatically recorded by the iPad. This outcome is the (unitless) ratio of the duration to complete Trail Making Test B to the duration to complete Trail Making Test A, reflecting the cognitive burden of visual attention and set-switching, measured off medication. Higher values reflect greater relative burden of the additional cognitive component.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Trail Making Test (TMT) B to A Duration Ratio
Baseline
1.58 unitless ratio
Interval 1.22 to 1.93
1.55 unitless ratio
Interval 1.23 to 2.11
Trail Making Test (TMT) B to A Duration Ratio
6 months
1.51 unitless ratio
Interval 1.19 to 2.14
1.52 unitless ratio
Interval 1.19 to 2.11
Trail Making Test (TMT) B to A Duration Ratio
12 months
1.44 unitless ratio
Interval 1.14 to 1.79
1.52 unitless ratio
Interval 1.21 to 1.98

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 6 months, 12 months

Population: Medians and quartiles are for the observed data, without imputation of missing data due to baseline or subsequent dropouts. Analytic modeling results reported below are based on the full intention-to-treat population, with missing data multiply-imputed.

Electronics-based test of episodic memory performed on an iPad, reported as number of correctly recalled symbols arrayed on a grid, with values ranging from 0 to 70 and higher numbers reflective of better memory, measured off medication.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 Participants
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 Participants
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Visual Memory Test Symbol Recall Score
12 month
57.5 Number correct
Interval 46.0 to 63.0
52 Number correct
Interval 45.0 to 62.0
Visual Memory Test Symbol Recall Score
Baseline
49 Number correct
Interval 39.0 to 59.0
48 Number correct
Interval 35.0 to 58.0
Visual Memory Test Symbol Recall Score
6 month
56 Number correct
Interval 43.0 to 64.0
54 Number correct
Interval 44.0 to 62.0

Adverse Events

Aerobic Exercise Group

Serious events: 10 serious events
Other events: 27 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Usual and Customary Care Group

Serious events: 15 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 participants at risk
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 participants at risk
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Cardiac disorders
Cardiac Disorders
0.78%
1/129 • 12 Months
1.6%
2/127 • 12 Months
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders
0.78%
1/129 • 12 Months
0.79%
1/127 • 12 Months
Infections and infestations
Infections and infestations
1.6%
2/129 • 12 Months
2.4%
3/127 • 12 Months
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
1.6%
2/129 • 12 Months
3.1%
4/127 • 12 Months
Psychiatric disorders
Psychiatric disorder
0.78%
1/129 • 12 Months
0.00%
0/127 • 12 Months
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
0.00%
0/129 • 12 Months
0.79%
1/127 • 12 Months
Surgical and medical procedures
Surgical and medical procedure
2.3%
3/129 • 12 Months
1.6%
2/127 • 12 Months
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder
0.78%
1/129 • 12 Months
0.79%
1/127 • 12 Months
Nervous system disorders
Nervous System Disorder
0.78%
1/129 • 12 Months
1.6%
2/127 • 12 Months
Renal and urinary disorders
Renal and urinary disorders
0.78%
1/129 • 12 Months
0.79%
1/127 • 12 Months

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Aerobic Exercise Group
n=129 participants at risk
Aerobic Exercise on a Stationary Bike
Usual and Customary Care Group
n=127 participants at risk
Continue regular activity. No aerobic exercise intervention.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
20.9%
27/129 • 12 Months
0.00%
0/127 • 12 Months

Additional Information

Dr. Jay L. Alberts

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Phone: 440-708-3735

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place