How to get involved

What will I need to do?

If you join the Power-PD study:

• You’ll take part in a 90-minute class, once a week for 12 weeks led by a physiotherapist and an assistant.
• You can choose to join the class in-person (at the Peckwater Centre in Kentish Town, NW3 2UP) or online (via Zoom). You can decide each week which is the best way to join the class.
• If you don’t have a device or internet, we can provide these for you.

We will recruit people for the Power-PD study in groups every 6 months, starting in Spring/Summer 2026. Once we’ve filled all the spots for a group, recruitment will pause until the next round begins.

If you choose to take part, you’ll be randomly chosen to either:

• start the class straight away
• wait 3 months, then join the class

You will also be asked to do some simple tests (like walking and standing) and fill in questionnaires about how you are getting on and feeling before, during, immediately after and 3-months after the class. We can do these at a place easy for you to get to. Some tests might need to be taken at the class site in Kentish Town. You will not need to have any scans or invasive tests such as blood tests. You will be asked to wear a wrist-worn device to record your activity during your time in the study. Some of the group classes may be video-recorded to help us see how the class is delivered. Once we have done the last tests you are free to return to your activities as usual. 

Who can take part?

You can take part if:

• You have Parkinson’s and live in the local Camden area.
• Your Parkinson’s medication is stable (if you take any).
• You can walk indoors without help or outdoors with or without a walking aid.

You can’t take part if:

• You have other health problems that make exercise unsafe.
• You can’t give consent or complete the tests.
• You have very sudden and jerky movements that make you at risk of falling.
• You’ve done a similar exercise class in the last year (we can talk this through with you if you are unsure).

What are the benefits?

• You’ll take part in a class designed for people with Parkinson’s.
• You’ll meet others and learn ways to stay active.
• You’ll help us improve support for people with Parkinson’s.
• You’ll receive a voucher (£10–£30 depending on how much you are involved in the study) as a thank you.

Are there any risks?

• There are not any major risks. You might feel tired or sore after exercising—this is normal and should pass.
• Some conversations in the group chats may be hard to talk about, but they’ll be supportive and led by trained staff.

What do I do if I’m interested in taking part?

If you are interested, send James, the lead researcher an email, james.alexander@ucl.ac.uk 

He will arrange a meeting and:

• Tell you more about the study.
• Check if you can join.
• Answer any questions you have.

For further information you can read the participant information sheet here