Could high intensity physical activity benefit people with Parkinson’s?
Researchers at the University of Bristol want to find out if different types of exercise performed at high intensity, called High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), have benefits for people with Parkinson’s.
They’re interested in what people with Parkinson’s think of this type of exercise.
57 people with Parkinson’s who:
• Have a GP surgery in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
• Can walk 10m independently, with or without a walking aid
Unfortunately, people with other types of Parkinsonism, such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or those regularly practising high intensity exercise, are unable to take part.
A 20 minute screening phone call with the research team.
A 2 to 3 hour visit to the University of Bristol for further screening, including blood pressure measurements, balance testing and completing surveys.
You’ll be randomly put into either Group A or Group B. Group A will continue with their normal routines. Group B will attend a HIFT class at least twice a week for 12 weeks.
Filling in a booklet about your experiences after 6 weeks, either online or by post, this will take up to an hour to complete.
A 1 hour visit to the University of Bristol to complete surveys, physical tests of your balance and Parkinson’s symptoms.
For more information, please read the:
• Participant information sheet
• Easy read participant information sheet
Interested in taking part?
To take part or if you have any questions, please contact the research team by email at [email protected] or call 0117 455 1219.
The deadline for taking part in this research is 31 October 2026.
Dani Pendry-Brazier the chief investigator for the project shared,
“Exercise has been shown to have many benefits for people with Parkinson’s. LIFT-PD aims to find out whether using community-run classes of High Intensity Functional Training are safe and acceptable for people with Parkinson’s, so we can design a future trial to measure the effects of HIFT on Parkinson’s symptoms.”
NIHR Research for Patient Benefit
University of Bristol, Canynge Hall
39 Whatley Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 2PS
United Kingdom