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Safety and feasibility of implementing gym-based strength training for people with early onset Parkinson's disease: a phase 1 trial.

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Title: Safety and feasibility of implementing gym-based strength training for people with early onset Parkinson's disease: a phase 1 trial.
Authors: Harris, Dale M. (AUTHOR), Thwaites, Claire (AUTHOR), Callisaya, Michele L. (AUTHOR), Mouer, Rachel (AUTHOR), Blazé, Richard (AUTHOR), Clifford, Amanda M. (AUTHOR), Morris, Meg E. (AUTHOR)
Source: Disability & Rehabilitation. Jun2026, Vol. 48 Issue 12, p3760-3771. 12p.
Subjects: Leg physiology, Exercise physiology, Patient compliance, Motor ability, Patient selection, Physical therapy, Patient safety, Research funding, Health status indicators, T-test (Statistics), Data analysis, Physical fitness centers, Evaluation of human services programs, Clinical trials, Human research subjects, Fatigue (Physiology), Parkinson's disease, Descriptive statistics, Resistance training, Longitudinal method, Control groups, Pre-tests & post-tests, Exercise physiologists, Muscle strength, Quality of life, Statistics, Adverse health care events, Data analysis software, Confidence intervals, Patient participation, Nonparametric statistics
Abstract: Purpose: We examined the safety, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of a gym-based strength training program for people living with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD), implemented by exercise trainers under physiotherapist supervision. Methods: Ten individuals with EOPD (Hoehn and Yahr 1–3) and eight exercise trainers participated. Participants with EOPD completed up to 16 supervised strength training sessions over eight weeks. A train-the-trainer program was used to educate the exercise trainers who were also supervised by physiotherapists with expertise in PD. The trainers were educated on modifying exercises based on the motor and nonmotor symptoms of EOPD. Safety was evaluated by monitoring both minor and major adverse events. Feasibility measures focused on recruitment, retention, attendance and exercise adherence. Secondary outcomes included strength (3RM testing), motor disability (UPDRS-III), and health status (EQ-VAS). Results: The program was safe without adverse events. Recruitment and retention targets were met, with no dropouts. Attendance was 70.6%, and 88.5% of sessions were fully adhered to. Participant abilities varied, especially in strength and motor performance. For those with EOPD, upper limb strength improved. Conclusion: Gym-based progressive resistance strength training is safe and feasible for some individuals with EOPD when supervised by exercise trainers educated in PD and supervised by physiotherapists. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Progressive resistance strength training can be delivered safely and effectively in community gyms for people with EOPD when trainers receive PD-specific education, sessions are 1:1, and clinician oversight and clear safety policies/protocols are in place. A comprehensive train-the-trainer model (education covering PD symptoms/medications, exercise selection, intensity/volume progressions, environmental risk mitigation) is essential to ensure high-quality, adaptable programming. Participation barriers for people with EOPD (work/caregiving demands, fluctuating motor symptoms, fatigue) require flexible, highly individualised programs with symptom-responsive modifications and scheduling. Future RCTs should set clear selection criteria (people on stable medication and able to attend 2–3 gym sessions/week), recruit via neurologists/PD organisations/community gyms, and monitor long-term adherence using electronic logs and e-reminders. Adopting 6–12-month follow-ups documenting maintenance, reasons for drop-off, and any delayed adverse events would also be valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Purpose: We examined the safety, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of a gym-based strength training program for people living with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD), implemented by exercise trainers under physiotherapist supervision. Methods: Ten individuals with EOPD (Hoehn and Yahr 1–3) and eight exercise trainers participated. Participants with EOPD completed up to 16 supervised strength training sessions over eight weeks. A train-the-trainer program was used to educate the exercise trainers who were also supervised by physiotherapists with expertise in PD. The trainers were educated on modifying exercises based on the motor and nonmotor symptoms of EOPD. Safety was evaluated by monitoring both minor and major adverse events. Feasibility measures focused on recruitment, retention, attendance and exercise adherence. Secondary outcomes included strength (3RM testing), motor disability (UPDRS-III), and health status (EQ-VAS). Results: The program was safe without adverse events. Recruitment and retention targets were met, with no dropouts. Attendance was 70.6%, and 88.5% of sessions were fully adhered to. Participant abilities varied, especially in strength and motor performance. For those with EOPD, upper limb strength improved. Conclusion: Gym-based progressive resistance strength training is safe and feasible for some individuals with EOPD when supervised by exercise trainers educated in PD and supervised by physiotherapists. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Progressive resistance strength training can be delivered safely and effectively in community gyms for people with EOPD when trainers receive PD-specific education, sessions are 1:1, and clinician oversight and clear safety policies/protocols are in place. A comprehensive train-the-trainer model (education covering PD symptoms/medications, exercise selection, intensity/volume progressions, environmental risk mitigation) is essential to ensure high-quality, adaptable programming. Participation barriers for people with EOPD (work/caregiving demands, fluctuating motor symptoms, fatigue) require flexible, highly individualised programs with symptom-responsive modifications and scheduling. Future RCTs should set clear selection criteria (people on stable medication and able to attend 2–3 gym sessions/week), recruit via neurologists/PD organisations/community gyms, and monitor long-term adherence using electronic logs and e-reminders. Adopting 6–12-month follow-ups documenting maintenance, reasons for drop-off, and any delayed adverse events would also be valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09638288
DOI:10.1080/09638288.2025.2595898