Trial Title Effects of combined arm and leg high-intensity interval training on motor and non-motor symptoms in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease: A randomised controlled pilot efficacy trial
Describe the trial aims This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. The study will compare HIIT performed using both the arms and legs with leg-only HIIT and usual care. We are interested in whether this type of exercise can improve aerobic fitness, muscle strength and power, walking and functional performance, cognitive function, and motor and non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Required eligibility to participate in the trial Participants must:

  • Be aged 18 years or older.
  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
  • Have mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, defined as a Modified Hoehn and Yahr score of 3 or less (assessed by Study Physician).
  • Be on a stable Parkinson’s disease medication regimen for at least 3 months.
  • Live in the Sydney area or be willing and able to travel to The University of Sydney (Camperdown campus) for study assessments and, if allocated to an exercise group, supervised training sessions.
Restrictions/ineligibility You may not be eligible if you:

  • Have Parkinson’s disease more severe than Stage 3 on the Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale, secondary Parkinson’s disease, or another progressive neurological condition.
  • Currently complete more than 150 minutes per week of moderate- to high-intensity aerobic, resistance or interval exercise.
  • Have a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device.
  • Have an unstable medical condition that may make high-intensity exercise unsafe.
  • Have significant cognitive impairment or dementia.
  • Have a current lower-limb musculoskeletal injury or lower-back condition that limits exercise.
  • Experience recurrent falls or are unable to walk independently (use of a walking stick or walker is permitted).
  • Have other medical or health conditions considered by the study physician to make participation unsafe.

Final eligibility will be determined following telephone screening and an in-person medical assessment by the study physician.
Date the trial is open from 2026-08-10
Date the trial closes 2027-05-03
Where the trial takes place Susan Wakil Health Building, The University of Sydney, Camperdown Campus, Sydney, NSW. Screening, assessments and exercise sessions are conducted in the Clinical Research Space at the Susan Wakil Health Building.
How can I get involved? If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact:

Mr Philippe Jacquot Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0414 767 925

Potential participants will initially complete a telephone screening to determine whether they may be eligible. Eligible participants will then be invited to The University of Sydney for an in-person medical screening before commencing the study.

Alternatively, enquiries can be directed to: Dr Daniel Hackett Email: [email protected]
Funding acknowledgements None
ETHICS Number Project Identifier: 2023/HE000918 (Human Research Ethics Committee, The University of Sydney)
Contact Name Dr Daniel Hackett
Position Senior Lecturer, Program Director Master of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Discipline of Exercise & Sport Science, The University of Sydney
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