Extrait

Background and study aims Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurological disease, which over time results in progressive problems with movement, thinking and behaviour, and ultimately difficulties in undertaking the usual activities of daily living. It is known that keeping physically active is important for any person who has a chronic health condition. Additionally, there is a growing interest in the potential that aerobic exercise may have for brain health, particularly for people with degenerative diseases such as HD. Engaging in regular exercise, however, can be difficult for people with HD given the complex and varied problems that they are faced with on a daily basis. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and benefit of a supported, structured exercise intervention in people with early to mid-stage HD. Who can participate? Men and women aged 18 and over diagnosed with HD. What does the study involve? People with HD who enrol in the study will be asked to attend two research assessments (focussing on physical fitness, movement, thinking and walking abilities) over a three-month period at their local HD clinics. After the first assessment, they will be randomly allocated to either the exercise intervention group or the control group. In the intervention group, exercise trainers will work with each participant on an individualised exercise programme, either in their home or at a community gym. The intervention will take place three times per week for 12 weeks, and trainers will supervise the participant in just over half of the sessions. The remainder of the sessions will be conducted by the participant independently, or with the support of a carer or family member. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? There may, or may not be, direct benefits to anyone taking part in this study. The study aims to find out whether or not the exercise intervention is safe, feasible and beneficial to people with HD. By taking part, participants will be helping us to answer this question, which may be of benefit to people with HD in the future. The assessments and intervention are unlikely to cause any undue stress. Care and comfort of participants will be ensured at all times. The proposed exercise training is of moderate intensity and has been developed in line with established protocols, and therefore poses minimal risk. Where is the study run from? Leiden (Netherlands), Munster (Germany), Cardiff (Wales), Birmingham (England), Oxford (England) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? February 2014 to August 2014 Who is funding the study? Jacques and Gloria Gossweiller Foundation (Switzerland) Who is the main contact? Ms Katy DeBono [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Topic: Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network; Subtopic: Huntington?s Disease; Disease: Huntington's disease

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn