Research call-out: Hand training in Parkinson’s
Oct. 18, 2022
The University of Melbourne’s Department of Physiotherapy is seeking participants for a study investigating the feasibility of a hand training program for people with Parkinson’s.
People with Parkinson’s disease often have problems with finger dexterity and daily activities like writing, dressing, and eating. This study investigates the feasibility of a new hand training program for people with Parkinson’s.
This is a feasibility trial to help us understand whether the training program can be run successfully and whether it is acceptable to people with Parkinson’s.
What does it involve?
Participants will be randomly allocated into a ‘training’ group or a ‘usual care’ group. If you are allocated to the ‘training’ group, you will be asked to complete a 30-minute exercise program three times a week and attend a weekly telehealth therapy session for a total of four weeks. You will also have two follow-up telehealth sessions. If you are in the ‘usual care’ group , you will not receive the training. Participants in both groups will be asked to come to The University of Melbourne four times over six months for a hand function test including a pegboard tests and questionnaires.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for this study you must:
- Be diagnosed with Parkinson’s
- Have problems with your hand function
- Have no serious other medical issues affecting your arms or hands
- Be able to use a computer, smart phone, or tablet device
Interested in participating in this research?
If you would like to find out more about participating in this study, contact:
Dr Libby Proud
Department of Physiotherapy
The University of Melbourne
Call 03 8344 3920 or email lproud@unimelb.edu.au