Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise (SPARX3)

This study is a Phase 3 multi-site, randomized, evaluator-masked, study of endurance treadmill exercise on changes in the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part III score at 12 months among persons with early stage Parkinson disease. 370 participants will be randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1)60-65% HRmax or 2)80-85% HRmax 4 times per week. The primary objective is to test whether the progression of the signs of Parkinson's disease is attenuated at 12 months in among persons who have not initiated medication for Parkinson Disease (PD) when they perform high-intensity endurance treadmill exercise.

This study is a Phase 3 multi-site, randomized, evaluator-masked, study of endurance treadmill exercise on changes in the MDS-UPDRS Part III score at 12 months. 370 persons diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who have not yet initiated dopaminergic therapy, age 40-80, will be randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1)60-65% HRmax or 2)80-85% HRmax 4 times per week. Secondary objectives will test hypotheses related to striatal specific binding ratio (SSBR) at 12 months, MDS-UPDRS Part III score, ambulatory mobility (6-minute walk), daily walking activity (steps), cognition, quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, blood-derived biomarkers of inflammation and neurotrophic factors at 12 and 18 months. Tertiary objectives will test hypotheses related to 2 characteristics of ambulation at 12 and 18 months. Exploratory objectives will test hypotheses related to the effects of removing the study support that was provided over 18 months on the sustainability and durability of the exercise effects at 24 months. Approximately 29 sites will enroll participants: 27 sites that cover all geographic regions of the USA and 2 sites in Canada. All sites will have a collaboration between movement disorders and exercise specialists.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson Disease based on the modified * United Kingdom (UK) PD brain bank criteria and which are consistent with recent criteria proposed for clinically established early established Parkinson's disease that no longer exclude individuals with a family history of Parkinson's disease.

• Hoehn and Yahr stages less than 3

• Disease duration: less than 3 years since disease diagnosis

• Age 40-80 years

• Positive DaTscan™ SPECT by quantitative readout for idiopathic Parkinson disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently being treated with PD medications such as levodopa or dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors, amantadine, or anticholinergics.

• Expected to require treatment with medication for PD in the first 6 months of the study.

• Use of any PD medication 60 days prior to the baseline visit including but not limited to levodopa, direct dopamine agonists, amantadine, Rasagiline (Azilect), Selegiline (Eldepryl), Artane (trihexyphenidyl).

• Duration of previous use of medications for PD exceeds 60 days.

• Use of neuroleptics/dopamine receptor blockers for more than 30 days in the year prior to baseline visit, or any use within 30 days of baseline visit

• Presence of known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease or individuals with major signs or symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease without medical clearance to participate in the exercise program.

• Uncontrolled hypertension (resting blood pressure >150/90 mmHg)

• Individuals with orthostatic hypotension and standing systolic BP below 100 will be excluded. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a reduction of systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of standing.

• Hypo* or hyperthyroidism (TSH 5.0 mU/L), abnormal liver function (AST or ALT more than 2 times the upper limit of normal), abnormal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the MDRD4 equation or the CKD-EPI equation