The impact of rock climbing on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Up ENDing Parkinson’s and Marymount University’s Center for Optimal Aging are partnering for a research study to identify the physical and psychosocial effects of rock climbing on individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
If you are interested, read on!
Wondering if you qualify to participate in this study?
Inclusion Criteria:
You may be eligible if you...
Have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease
Are 18 years of age or older
Are able to walk at least 30 feet without help from another person and without using a cane or walker
Have NO health concerns that would impact your ability to participate in supervised climbing and tests of mobility, balance, and agility
Are able to speak and read English
Are NEW to climbing (i.e., have climbed <3 times over the past 3 months)
Exclusion Criteria:
You are NOT eligible if you...
Have any neurological disease diagnosis other than Parkinson's Disease
Have any medical issues involving your heart, lungs, brain, or blood chemistry that are not well-controlled
Have any medical issues that make exercise contraindicated for you
Have any cognitive or psychiatric impairment that impact your ability to give consent or to follow instructions
Are pregnant
Are unable to walk 30 feet without help of another person or without using a cane or walker
Wondering what the study entails?
Here are the components of the study:
Participate in a screening phone or zoom call to confirm eligibility for study
Sign a consent form for participation in the research study
Participate in Data Collection Visit 1 (~75-90 minutes) with the research team at Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria (5308 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria VA 22304); Data Collection Visit 1 includes:
Health History Form
Tests of balance, mobility, agility, and dexterity
Surveys assessing how Parkinson's disease impacts your life
Participate in 12 Weeks of supervised climbing twice per week with UpENDing Parkinson’s group
Participate in Data Collection Visit 2 (~75-90 mintes) with research team at Sportrock Climbing Center in Alexandria to repeat all assessments performed at Data Collection Visit 1
Interested in learning a little more about climbing for people with Parkinson's disease?
Check out this video:
If you believe you are eligible for the study and are interested in participating,
or if you'd like to learn more, please click the "Contact us" button below
to fill out our form, or email us at: upendingparkinsons@gmail.com
This study has been approved by Marymount University's Institutional Review Board (Protocol #831) and is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05919771)
Meet the team of researchers:
