Exercise May Slow Parkinson’s Progression: SPARX3 Trial Explores the Impact of Intensity on Disease Management

Regular exercise is an essential part of managing Parkinson’s disease, helping individuals address both motor and non-motor symptoms. Types of exercise like weight training, stretching, and aerobic workouts have all shown benefits in clinical trials. Beyond these immediate symptomatic improvements, emerging evidence suggests that exercise might even help slow the progression of Parkinson's. While both moderate and high-intensity exercises have shown promise in slowing symptom progression, researchers are still unsure which intensity provides the greatest benefit. To answer this question, the SPARX3 trial is investigating how exercise intensity impacts Parkinson’s progression and whether increased exercise can help slow the disease. SPARX3 Trial Overview The SPARX3 study aims to understand the effects of different exercise intensity levels on Parkinson's progression. Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: High-intensity group: Participants will exercise on a treadmill to reach 80-85% of their maximum heart rate. Low-intensity group: Participants will exercise to 60-65% of their maximum heart rate. Both groups will exercise four times a week for 30 minutes at their target heart rate for 18 months. Treadmills with adjustable inclines will be used to help participants maintain their target heart rate. To track their progress, participants will wear heart rate monitors to measure their heart rate, steps, and gait cadence. Initial sessions will be supervised at a study site, and once participants are familiar with their exercise routines, they will be able to continue exercising at home or at a gym of their choice. However, participants will return to the study site once a month for data collection. Key Details of the Trial Locations: The study is being conducted across more than 20 locations in the US and Canada. A full list of study sites is available on the trial’s website. Costs: The trial is designed to cost participants little or nothing. To make adherence to the exercise schedule easier, the study may provide a gym membership or a treadmill for home use, which participants can keep after the study concludes. Travel assistance may also be available. Imaging and Biomarkers: Participants will undergo two DaTscans: one at the beginning of the trial and one at the end. These scans will help determine whether exercise has an impact on dopamine binding in the brain. Additionally, secondary measures include blood tests for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a role in brain health, and assessments of gait, including step cadence. Research has shown that BDNF levels tend to be lower in people with Parkinson’s, but exercise may help increase these levels. Who Can Participate? To join the SPARX3 trial, participants must meet the following criteria: Diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease within the last three years. In the early stages of the disease (less than stage 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale). Between the ages of 40 and 80. However, there are some exclusions, including: Participants who are currently taking Parkinson’s medications or have taken them within the past 60 days. Those who are expected to require Parkinson’s medications within six months of enrollment. The full list of eligibility criteria is available on the study’s page on ClinicalTrials.gov. Why Participate in Research? Participating in clinical trials offers multiple benefits. Aside from the opportunity to work directly with Parkinson’s specialists, participants help advance scientific knowledge of the disease, which can provide a sense of purpose. In the case of the SPARX3 trial, participants will receive professional guidance on their exercise capacity, and in some cases, the study may cover the cost of a gym membership or provide a treadmill. Moreover, the SPARX3 trial is highly regarded in the research community. According to a 2022 review of Parkinson’s exercise trials, the SPARX3 study is well-designed and could offer valuable insights into how both moderate and high-intensity exercise might influence disease progression. A Unique Opportunity The results of the SPARX3 trial could potentially mark the first clear evidence of a way to slow Parkinson’s progression through exercise. By participating in this groundbreaking study, you’d be on the cutting edge of Parkinson’s research, contributing to a better understanding of how exercise can impact the course of the disease. For more information about the SPARX3 trial or to sign up, visit the study's website. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the team at blog@dpf.org.