Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Enhanced Tai Chi for Parkinson's Disease (Enhanced Tai Chi PD)
Sponsor: King's College Hospital NHS Trust
Summary
This pilot study evaluates whether a structured, Parkinson's disease-specific Tai Chi programme ("Enhanced Tai Chi") can improve motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a progressive neurological condition associated with motor impairments such as bradykinesia, rigidity, gait disturbance and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including fatigue, pain, mood disturbance, sleep problems and cognitive changes. Although pharmacological treatments improve many motor symptoms, balance and postural control often respond poorly, contributing to falls and reduced independence. Enhanced Tai Chi is a tailored programme developed specifically for people with PD, incorporating elements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong focused on balance control, coordination, postural alignment, body awareness and confidence in movement. This single-site, randomised, controlled pilot trial will enrol 30 adults with idiopathic PD (Hoehn \& Yahr stages I-III), randomised in a 2:1 ratio to Enhanced Tai Chi plus usual clinical care or usual clinical care alone. Participants in the intervention group will complete 36 supervised one-hour sessions over 12 weeks (three sessions per week: one in-person and two delivered remotely), with optional independent practice encouraged. Adherence will be monitored through attendance records. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Findings will inform feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy estimates to support the design of a future definitive randomised controlled trial.
Official title: Enhanced Tai Chi: A Randomised, Controlled, Single-Site Study of the Effects of Enhanced Tai Chi Training on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2024-05-01
Completion Date
2026-08-01
Last Updated
2025-12-31
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Enhanced Tai Chi (Enhanced-Tai-Chi-PD)
Participants assigned to this arm receive Enhanced Tai Chi, a structured mind-body exercise program adapted specifically for people with Parkinson's disease. The program consists of 36 one-hour sessions delivered over 12 weeks (3 sessions/week: 1 in-person studio session and 2 remote sessions via Microsoft Teams). The intervention incorporates seven movement components including Qi Gong, single and double silk-reeling, standing energy/postural work, balance walking, Fa Jin (energy release), and a ten-direction balance form. Sessions focus on balance, postural control, fluid movement, coordination, breathing, and body alignment. Participants are encouraged to complete short additional home practice, and session attendance is logged to monitor compliance.
Usual Treatment (Standard Clinical Care)
Participants continue standard clinical care for Parkinson's disease as determined by their treating physician. No Enhanced Tai Chi or other study-specific exercise intervention is provided during the study period.
Locations (1)
King's College Hospital
London, United Kingdom