A Behavioral Digital Intervention For Parkinson's Disease

Summary

The goal of this interventional, quasi-experimental study is to evaluate whether a digital dual-task exercise and behavioral program can improve physical activity and influence patient-reported outcomes in people with Parkinson's disease.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Is the MOVE ON UP digital intervention feasible and acceptable, based on recruitment, retention, adherence, and safety?
2. Does participation in the program lead to increased physical activity levels?
3. Does the intervention produce exploratory improvements in patient-reported outcomes such as motor symptoms, balance confidence, and quality of life?

Because the study includes a comparison group, researchers will compare participants receiving the MOVE ON UP digital intervention with participants receiving usual care to determine whether the digital program produces measurable behavioral and functional changes.

Participants will:

1. Complete baseline and post-intervention assessments of physical activity and patient-reported outcomes.
2. Engage in an 8-week digital dual-task exercise program, including:

2.1 Structured dual-task exercise sessions delivered digitally. 2.2 Educational content related to Parkinson's disease and physical activity. 2.3 Behavioral support elements informed by the COM-B model.
3. Use the digital platform to follow the program and complete follow-up questionnaires.

Conditions

• Parkinson Disease
• Exercise Training

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Digital Exercise Program

8-week asynchronous digital program for Parkinson's disease, delivered via online platform (Moodle). Three integrated components: (1) 6 educational lectures (45-60 min) covering balanced exercise routines, overcoming barriers, dual-task training rationale, voice integration, technology use, and online exercise; (2) 24 pre-recorded exercise sessions (3/week, 60 min) combining physical movements with cognitive challenges and vocal responses, progressing from foundational dual-task training to attention consolidation; sessions require minimal equipment (chair, 3m space); (3) automated COM-B-based text messages targeting capability, opportunity, and motivation delivered in weekly blocks. Platform features include progress tracking, reminders after 72h inactivity, discussion forums, and technical support. Grounded in behavior change theory and developed with input from people with Parkinson's, caregivers, and clinicians. Accessible via computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Young Parkies Portugal

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki

  collaborator OTHER

• Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Omišalj-Njivice Gymnastics Club

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• João Vaz, PhD · Egas Moniz School of Health and Science

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-11-02

Primary Completion

2027-07-30

Completion

2027-07-30