Dr. Joan A. O’Keefe’s lab at Rush University are researching the effect of treadmill training with or without a combined thinking task in people with FXTAS.
Participation
Who can participate?
The study is looking for FXTAS patients of any age. You may be able to participate in this study if you are able to stand unassisted and walk for at least 2 minutes.
You will NOT be able to participate in the trial if you have:
- A history of traumatic brain injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis with changes on CT/MRI.
- Significant cardiopulmonary or cardiovascular disease, dementia, or unstable psychiatric disorders including major depression or schizophrenia.
What will happen in the study?
You will be asked to:
- Walk on a treadmill at your comfortable speed for 20 to 45 minutes or walk on a treadmill while doing a mental exercise for the same duration, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. You will be supported by a safety harness while on the treadmill and carefully monitored throughout.
- Wear sensors around your wrists, ankles, chest, and waist during the balance and walking tests; these are worn outside of your regular clothing.
- Have a short neurological examination and neuropsychological tests.
- Answer questionnaires about your balance confidence and any symptoms of anxiety, sleep, and depression.
- Have blood drawn for measuring the levels of a growth factor in your blood.
- Have an MRI.
- Go through the assessment tests (#2 through #6 above) before the trial and then immediately after, 1-month, and 6-months following the trial.
The time it takes to complete the above tests is 1.5 to 2 hours.
Will you/your child be paid to complete this survey?
Participants will NOT be monetarily compensated for participation in this study.
Study Locations
The testing will be performed in two locations in Chicago:
Rush University Armour Academic Center
600 South Paulina
Rush University Hospital
Kellogg Building Room 235K
1625 West Harrison
For more information
- Deborah Bang at (917) 708-0554 or deborah_bang@rush.edu
- Joan Ann O’Keefe, PT, Ph.D., at (312) 563-3940 or joan_a_okeefe@rush.edu
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