Tiny study tests blood flow cuffs and stepping machine for advanced Parkinson's
NCT ID NCT07221994
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether using inflatable cuffs on the legs (blood flow restriction) during low-intensity stepping exercise could safely improve mobility and quality of life in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. Three participants exercised twice a week for 8 weeks on a Nu-Step machine while wearing the cuffs. The main goal was to check for side effects, with secondary goals of measuring motor symptoms and functional mobility.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Blood flow restriction (BFR) device and aerobic exercise via recumbent stepping
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a gentle exercise option to help people with advanced Parkinson's improve mobility and daily function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (only 3 participants) with no control group, so results may not apply to others. The main goal was safety, not proof of effectiveness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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3 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18+ 2. People with advanced Parkinson's disease. "Advanced PD" will include signs of progressed disease including orthostatic hypotension and/or motor issues reflective of postural instability and/or mild-moderate bilateral symptoms (confirmed visually in clinic or home by a medical provider such as an MD/PT and/or documented in the medical record. 3. Ability of individual or legal guardian/representative to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it. 4. Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (self-reported okay, documented preferred) 5. Independent ambulation (≥10m with or without an assistive device) 6. Commitment to participate in the exercise intervention as outlined 7. Score of ≥21 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg), deep-vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or rhabdomyolysis which a patient's primary physician determines would preclude them from safe study participation. 2. Ankle branchial index ≤ 0.9 or \> 1.3 3. History of or comorbid conditions spanning cardiovascular, neurological, or orthopedic injuries which may prevent for the safe administration of the intervention (a healthcare provider's clearance or guidance will be obtained in these situations to ensure appropriateness), including current medications. 4. History of uncontrolled diabetes, BMI \> 40, or severe cognitive impairment (as measured by MoCA \<21) 5. Atypical PD diagnoses or ON PD-medication worsening of motor symptoms 6. Absolute contraindications to exercise as per the American College of Sports Medicine (uncontrolled arrhythmias, third-degree heart block, recent electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or acute congestive heart failure)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UCSF Health & Wellness Center (UCSF Mission Bay)
San Francisco, California, 94158, United States
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