Parkinson’s Disease Research
At InMotion®, we are dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through evidence-based programs and ongoing research.
Our team conducts in-house research studies focused on the effectiveness of exercise, movement, and other integrative approaches in managing and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms.
In addition to our internal research, InMotion® actively partners with leading healthcare organizations and medical researchers to participate in collaborative studies. These partnerships allow us to contribute to larger-scale Parkinson’s disease research while staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in treatment and care.
We proudly share our findings with physicians, neurologists, therapists, and care teams around the world—helping to shape best practices in Parkinson’s wellness programs. Through our commitment to both independent and partner-driven research, InMotion® plays a vital role in advancing Parkinson’s disease treatment and support.
InMotion® Hosts Cycling Study for Parkinson’s Disease
Published in 2024 in Clinical Neuropsychology and Sensors
InMotion® served as the host site for a research study examining the impact of cycling on motor and cognitive function in people with Parkinson’s disease. Conducted in collaboration with Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, the study explored how structured cycling sessions—monitored with wearable sensors—can benefit individuals living with Parkinson’s.
Participants in the study completed cycling workouts at InMotion®, while researchers collected detailed data on movement patterns, gait stability, and cognitive performance. Results published in Clinical Neuropsychology and Sensors (2024) demonstrated that regular cycling may improve both physical coordination and executive functioning in people with Parkinson’s disease.
These findings support the growing body of evidence that targeted exercise programs, like those offered at InMotion®, play a vital role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
Read the full studies:
InMotion® Supports Innovative Parkinson’s Screening Research
InMotion® recently partnered with Dr. Ray Dorsey and the University of Rochester to help validate the PARK Test—a new video-based tool designed to screen for Parkinson’s disease using facial expression, speech, and motor tasks.
As part of this study, InMotion® integrated the PARK Test into its client assessment protocol and encouraged participation from both clients and their similarly-aged care partners. The 25-minute test could be completed from home, making it an accessible option for early Parkinson’s detection.
InMotion® Presents Parkinson’s Research on Balance Confidence at Global Congress
Presented at the World Parkinson Congress – July 2023
InMotion® was proud to present its original research at the 2023 World Parkinson Congress (WPC) in Barcelona, Spain. The study, titled “Improving Balance Confidence in People with Parkinson’s Disease Through Group Exercise and Education,” showcased the positive impact of InMotion’s wellness programs on reducing fear of falling—a major concern for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
The research focused on participants enrolled in Better Every Day™, InMotion’s specialized group exercise and education program. After 10 weeks of consistent participation, clients reported significant improvements in balance confidence, highlighting the effectiveness of structured physical activity and peer support in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
This international presentation reflects InMotion’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based programs, community wellness, and advancing the global understanding of Parkinson’s disease care.
InMotion® Published in Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation
August 2020
As a result of a connection that InMotion® leaders made at the 2019 World Parkinson Congress in Kyoto, Japan, our assessment outcomes were published in the August 2020 issue of Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, a peer reviewed journal.
The article, entitled “Motor Performance and Quality of Life in a Community Exercise Program for Parkinson’s Disease” (Stiles, E., Jaffe, K., Schwartz, C., Rossi, B., Riley, D.), describes our investigation into the effects of a comprehensive community program composed of exercise, mindfulness practice, and education on motor function and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Having our holistic, integrated approach validated through the peer-review process represents a significant milestone for InMotion®.
In the study, thirty-six participants completed physical and quality-of-life assessments independently at baseline and 12 months. Physical assessments showed stability or improvement in functional mobility, integrated strength, and walking ability over the 1-year interval. PDQ-39 measures showed improvement in 6 of 8 indices: mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma reduction, social support, and bodily discomfort. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of exercise, mindfulness and education in community and group settings.
Early Research Shows InMotion® Programs Improve Quality of Life for People with Parkinson’s Disease
Presented at the World Parkinson Congress – September 2016
InMotion® presented early outcome data at the 2016 World Parkinson Congress in Portland, Oregon, demonstrating the positive impact of its community-based wellness programs for people with Parkinson’s disease. The study highlighted measurable improvements in key areas such as mobility, balance, mental health, and overall quality of life after participation in InMotion’s integrated therapy model.
Participants engaged in a combination of exercise, movement therapy, education, and support classes. Results showed statistically significant gains, reinforcing the importance of non-pharmacological interventions in Parkinson’s care.
This research supports InMotion’s mission to help people with Parkinson’s disease feel better every day through evidence-based, client-centered programming.
InMotion® Launches Innovative Wellness Model for Parkinson’s Disease Care
Presented at the World Parkinson Congress – September 2016
InMotion® introduced its groundbreaking model of care at the 2016 World Parkinson Congress in Portland, Oregon. This poster detailed the organization’s early efforts to establish a non-clinical wellness center specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease—a unique, community-based alternative to traditional medical care.
The InMotion® model integrates exercise therapy, movement classes, support groups, and education, all offered at no cost to clients. Designed to promote long-term engagement and improve quality of life, this holistic approach empowers clients to take an active role in managing their symptoms.
This presentation marked the beginning of InMotion’s journey as a leader in Parkinson’s wellness programming and evidence-based support.
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