Safety and feasibility of implementing gym-based strength training for people with early onset Parkinson’s disease: a phase 1 trial

Purpose: We examined the safety, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of a gym-based strength training program for people living with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD), implemented by exercise trainers under physiotherapist supervision. Methods: Ten individuals with EOPD (Hoehn and Yahr 1–3) and eight exercise trainers participated. Participants with EOPD completed up to 16 supervised strength training sessions over eight weeks. A train-the-trainer program was used to educate the exercise trainers who were also supervised by physiotherapists with expertise in PD. The trainers were educated on modifying exercises based on the motor and nonmotor symptoms of EOPD. Safety was evaluated by monitoring both minor and major adverse events. Feasibility measures focused on recruitment, retention, attendance and exercise adherence. Secondary outcomes included strength (3RM testing), motor disability (UPDRS-III), and health status (EQ-VAS). Results: The program was safe without adverse events. Recruitment and retention targets were met, with no dropouts. Attendance was 70.6%, and 88.5% of sessions were fully adhered to. Participant abilities varied, especially in strength and motor performance. For those with EOPD, upper limb strength improved. Conclusion: Gym-based progressive resistance strength training is safe and feasible for some individuals with EOPD when supervised by exercise trainers educated in PD and supervised by physiotherapists.