The Effect of Aquatic High-Intensity Interval Training on Balance, Physical Function, and Sarcopenia in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY
This randomized, single-center, parallel-group superiority trial will evaluate the effect of an 8-week aquatic High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program on balance, physical function, and sarcopenia-related outcomes in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). The intervention aims to deliver Tabata-style aquatic HIIT (3 sessions/week) in a therapeutic pool to determine adherence and preliminary efficacy compared with standard care (no structured exercise program).
Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 55
Maximum Age: 75
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:
• PD stages 2-3 based on Hoehn and Yahr classification system
• Balance difficulty (BBS score \<45)
• Reduced motor function
• Sarcopenia (per EWGSOP2 criteria)
• Age ≥ 55
• Permission from their doctors to participate
• Absence of a history of myocardial infarction within the past 3 months
• Capacity to provide informed consent to participate in the study
Locations
Other Locations
Islamic Republic of Iran
Pardis specialized wellness institute
RECRUITING
Isfahan
Contact Information
Primary
Nasrin Salimian
statisrin@gmail.com
+98913251202
Backup
Mohammad Ali Tabibi, Dr
m.tabibi@ut.ac.ir
+989133184624
Time Frame
Start Date:2025-12-10
Estimated Completion Date:2026-04-10
Participants
Target number of participants:56
Treatments
Experimental: Aquatic HIIT group
The participants in the experimental group will undertake supervised aquatic high-intensity interval exercise 3×/week for 8 weeks (Tabata method). Each session consists of a 10-min warm-up, Tabata sets (20s maximal-effort aquatic exercises-e.g., water running, jumping jacks, resistance with foam dumbbells/paddles-followed by 10s rest, 8 cycles/set; total set=4 min), and a 5-min cool-down.~Intensity monitored using Borg RPE scale (6-20), target 15-17 (hard to very hard) during work phases to ensure HIIT delivery. RPE recorded at end of each set with real-time feedback (e.g., push harder if \<15). Validated in PD trials; RPE 15-17 ≈80-90% max HR in water (HR optional).~Pool depth waist-to-chest (≈1.2-1.4 m), temp 32-34 °C. Delivered in indoor therapeutic pool of Pardis Institute by certified specialists. Standard medical care continues. Adherence via attendance logs; \>20% missed = non-adherent.
No_intervention: Control group
Patients allocated to the control group will receive their usual clinical management for Parkinson's disease, including pharmacological therapy as prescribed by their neurologist, and will not participate in any structured exercise program during the 8-week study period. Low-intensity daily activities and usual physical routines are permitted. Control participants will be advised to maintain their standard treatment regimen and customary activity patterns during the trial.