Effects of biomechanical muscle stimulation and assisted cycling on gait, brandykinesia and reflex activity in Parkinson's Disease
Kent State University
Telephone 330-672-0203
Questions & Answers
What is the purpose of this study?
The goal of this study is the determine if biomechanical muscle stimulation (BMS) therapy is an effective way to reduce bradykinesia, tremor and improve gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The Swiss-wing, a BMS device that will be used for this study, is a padded drum that rotates at predetermined hertz's (20 Hz for this study) to provide biomehanical muscle stimulation (via vibration) to the body tissue.
What is involved in participation?
Once you agree to be in the study, you will be asked to do a fitness test to determine your cardiovascular fitness. This involves exercising on a stationary bike for 10-20 minutes. On the remaining days, the participant will be asked to sit on a recumbent exercise bike and allow the motor to assist them in pedaling for 40 minutes or work with the BMS device. The intensity will be moderate. Movement will be tested at before and after exercise each session.
Number of visits required?
There will be a total of 4 visits required that will be separated by 1 week:
1 day for fitness testing - 'on' medication
1 day for baseline testing - 'off' medication
1 day for assisted cycling at a fast rate - 'off' medication
1 day for BMS therapy - 'off' medication
How much does it cost?
If you meet all the criteria, participation in the research trail is of no cost to you. Parking will be free, as will all the training and testing.
Will I be paid to participate?
We will provide you with a $40 gas card after you complete the study to help cover your transportation costs. If you are unable to complete the study, we will give you a gas card with $10 for each session.
Who Can Participate?
Clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PD
Age between 40-75 years
Hoehn and Yahr stage I-III when off anti-parkinsonian medication
Who Cannot Participate?
Individuals with existing cardiopulmonary disease or stroke
Individuals with dementia
Individuals with any medical or musculoskeletal contraindications to exercise
Who do I contact for more information?
Daune Corbett
Patient Coordinator
Department of Exercise Science/Gym Annex
Kent State University
350 Midway Dr., Kent, OH 44242
Phone: 330-672-0203
Angela L. Ridgel, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Department of Exercise Science/Gym Annex
Kent State University
350 Midway Dr., Kent, OH 44242
Phone: 330-672-7495
Fax: 330-672-2250
Email: ridgela@kent.edu