Blood Flow Restriction for Optimizing Balance in Parkinson's Disease

Eligibility Criteria

• 1. Males and females between the ages 40 - 85 with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD) consistent with the United Kingdom PD society brain bank criteria,
• 2. in Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-4,
• 3. a score of ≥23 on the mini-Mental Scale Examination.
• 1. History of cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg), orthostatic hypotension, deep-vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or rhabdomyolysis;
• 2. Ankle branchial index ≤ 0.9 or \> 1.3.
• 3. History of other neurological disorders affecting the central nervous system such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscle disease such as muscular dystrophy, myopathy.
• 4. History of uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, or cognitive impairment.
• 5. Body mass index above 40; such individuals are more likely to have poorer muscle function and more pain.
• 6. Absolute contraindications to exercise as per the American College of Sports Medicine (uncontrolled arrhythmias, third-degree heart block, recent electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, or acute congestive heart failure
• 7. Had surgery in the lower extremities within the past 6 months.
• 8. Pre-menopausal and not on birth control
• 9. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the course of the study
• 10. Plan to have major surgery within 2 months.