Participate in Research at CU Anschutz

This research study aims to learn more about the effects of aerobic exercise on people with Parkinson’s disease who have not yet started medication for their Parkinson's disease. It will compare the effects of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise to high-intensity treadmill exercise on the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

This is an exercise research study for people who have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Aerobic exercise is a vital treatment for people living with Parkinson's disease. Although anti-parkinsonian medication helps alleviate Parkinson's symptoms, it is not known to slow the rate of disease progression. Aerobic exercise is a treatment with the most compelling evidence for its potential to slow Parkinson's disease progression. While both moderate—and high-intensity aerobic exercise provide health benefits, it is currently unclear which intensity is more effective for people with Parkinson’s.

Main Procedures Involved: Participants will complete a telephone screening followed by two in-person screening visits to confirm that they meet the criteria to participate in the study. Once determined eligible, participants will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to either a moderate-intensity exercise group or a high-intensity exercise group. Each group will walk on a treadmill 4 days a week for approximately 30 minutes at a location convenient to them. Throughout the study, participants will make periodic campus visits to meet with the study team for neurological and physical assessments, exercise testing, blood draws, and a brain scan.

Duration of Participation: This is a 2-year study consisting of 18 months of exercise, followed by monthly check-ins for 6 months.