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Shake It Up Australia Foundation is assisting the recruitment to a new international clinical research project, “Steps against the burden of Parkinson’s disease” (StepuP) — part of the Joint European Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND).
Led by researchers from UNSW and NeuRA, the study is now recruiting participants in Australia to explore how supervised treadmill training, combined with wearable sensors and virtual reality, may improve gait, balance, and mobility in people living with Parkinson’s.
Why is this research important?
For many people with Parkinson’s, walking, balance, and confidence can gradually decline — increasing the risk of falls and making everyday activities more difficult. But some studies suggest that treadmill-based gait training may offer real benefits.
This study aims to dig deeper. By combining:
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Clinical assessments
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Wearable technology
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Virtual reality experiences
…the research team hopes to better understand why this type of training works, for whom it works best, and how future therapies can be tailored to individual needs.
Who can take part?
The study is now looking for volunteers who:
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Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s
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Are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms
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Are medically fit to exercise under supervision
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Can read, write, and understand English
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Have not had deep brain stimulation surgery
What’s involved?
Participants will be asked to:
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Visit Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) in Sydney
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Take part in a 12-week treadmill training program (one supervised session per week)
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Complete clinical assessments and an online survey
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Some participants may also experience virtual reality training as part of the program
How to register your interest
If you’re living with Parkinson’s and would like to be part of this important research, we encourage you to get in touch.
Contact:
Mayna Ratanapongleka – 0492 832 949
Email: stepup@neura.edu.au
Register your interest online
Together, we can take meaningful steps toward improving quality of life for Australians with Parkinson’s.