Ethics Approval Number: A231987
What is this study about?
The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the effects of wearing a novel balance training device, similar to a small backpack, to improve balance, mobility and walking in people with Parkinson’s.
What does this study involve?
You will be asked to attend the university exercise science laboratory. You will have a short health screening done, and will be asked to complete a walk and mobility test, a sit-stand test and a series of short questionnaires. The total time taken for assessments and the walking activity will be no more than 60-minutes. A worn device, like a small backpack, will challenge your balance and the researchers will assess balance, mobility and walking with the device turned off and on. The device weighs approximately 1 to 1.5 kg; its moveable arm changes direction at a slow to moderate speed. We will pay for your parking fees at the university.Your participation is voluntary and you may withdraw from the study at any time.
What are the eligibility criteria?
If you are over 18 years and have Parkinson’s Disease Hoehn & Yahr Stage 1 to 4, you are invited to participate in this research project. You must be able to stand and walk unassisted by another person to participate (mobility aids/devices are OK).
MEET OUR TEAM
Research lead
Lead Investigator
Clinical Exercise Physiology
A/Prof Suzanne Broadbent
Sue has over 2 decades of experience as scientific lead of Exercise Science programs in Australia and New Zealand and now leads this study at The University of the Sunshine Coast. Her research focus is exercise rehabilitation for cancer survivors, cardio-pulmonary, orthopaedic and Parkinson's Disease patients. In particular, Sue dedicates her time to studying injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Sue also has interests in the delivery and evaluation of clinical exercise physiology programs with student-led clinics and programs, especially in rural settings.
CONTACTS
Get in Touch
If you would like more information about the Acute Perturbation Training For Parkinson’s Disease study, or you would like to enrol, please contact A/Prof Suzanne Broadbent
sbroadbe@usc.edu.au
Address
The University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, QLD 4556, Australia
