EXERT-HD

Exercise rehabilitation trial in Huntington’s disease.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and benefit of a structured exercise intervention in people with Huntington’s Disease (HD). Participants were randomized into either exercise or control (usual care) groups at 6 sites in the UK, Netherlands, Norway and Germany.

They were assessed at baseline, 13 and 26 weeks. The intervention was 12 weeks, three times per week progressive exercise program, including aerobic (stationary cycling) and upper and lower body strengthening exercise with tapered 1:1 support for 20 of 36 sessions.

At the end of the study, those in the exercise group had better fitness and improved motor function. This study demonstrates that a short-term exercise intervention is safe and feasible.

Individuals with HD may benefit from structured exercise, and intensity, monitoring and support may be key factors in optimising response. Larger scale trials are now required.

Related publications

• Quinn, L. et al. 2016. A randomized, controlled trial of a multi-modal exercise intervention in Huntington's disease. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders 31 , pp.46-52. (10.1016/j.parkreldis.2016.06.023)
• Fritz, N. E. et al., 2016. Motor-cognitive dual-task deficits in individuals with early-mid stage Huntington's disease. Gait and Posture 49 , pp.283-289. (10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.07.014)