Blood Flow Restriction for Optimizing Balance in Parkinson's Disease
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study is being done to understand how reducing blood flow (BRT) during balance-challenging strengthening exercises (instability resistance training, or IRT) can help improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males and females between the ages 40 - 85 with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD) consistent with the United Kingdom PD society brain bank criteria, 2. in Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-4, 3. a score of ≥23 on the mini-Mental Scale Examination. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg), orthostatic hypotension, deep-vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or rhabdomyolysis; 2. Ankle branchial index ≤ 0.9 or \> 1.3. 3. History of other neurological disorders affecting the central nervous system such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscle disease such as muscular dystrophy, myopathy. 4. History of uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, or cognitive impairment. 5. Body mass index above 40; such individuals are more likely to have poorer muscle function and more pain. 6. Absolute contraindications to exercise as per the American College of Sports Med