Parkinson's Disease Research Study

Screening: You will be screened over the phone, email, or in person prior to coming to UNLV to ensure that you have been diagnosed with PD by a neurologist. Once that has been determined, you will be told briefly about the study and if you are willing to come to UNLV to be tested. This consent form will be sent to you via email or mail to read before coming to UNLV.

Consenting: The first step is to determine if you qualify to participate in this study. This will occur 1-2 weeks prior to the start of participation in the 10KSC.

Test Day 1 (pre-test): After consenting and qualifying to participant, we will then ask more questions about you and your exercise and fall history. You will then complete a few balance and symptom questionnaires. You will then perform a few balance and walking tests (turning, standing on one leg, balance with eyes closed, etc.) on level ground.

10KSC program:After Test Day 1, you will then participate in the 6-month 10KSC program. This program will take place at various local parks in Las Vegas (LV), Nevada. You will be asked to commit to attend one walking group per week over this 6-month period. An important part of the 10KSC program is that you will be doing Nordic walking which has been shown to be safe and beneficial for older adults and people with Parkinson’s disease. You will be given Nordic walking poles, which are yours to keep, at the first day of the program.

Test Day 2 (6-month post-test): After 6 months of participation, you will be asked to return to the Gait and Balance Laboratory at UNLV (Bigelow Health Sciences Room 217) to be tested again. The procedures for this day will be same as Test Day 1. This testing day will take approximately 65 minutes.