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Task-specific training in Huntington disease: a randomized controlled feasibility trial.
Lori Quinn1, Katy Debono2, Helen Dawes3
1L. Quinn, PT, PhD, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Physical Therapy
|July 12, 2014
Summary
Task-specific training for Huntington disease (HD) showed excellent adherence and goal achievement, but small effect sizes suggest the intervention may need refinement. A larger trial of this specific program is not recommended.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Huntington disease (HD) often causes significant mobility limitations.
- Task-specific training is a potential intervention to improve mobility in HD patients.
- Assessing the feasibility and safety of such training is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a goal-directed, task-specific mobility training program.
- To assess the impact of this training on individuals with mid-stage Huntington disease.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, blinded, feasibility trial was conducted across 6 UK sites.
- Thirty participants with mid-stage HD were randomized to either usual care or the intervention group.
- The intervention involved home-based, task-specific training focusing on walking and transfers, twice weekly for 8 weeks, with individualized goals.
Main Results:
- Adherence to the training program was excellent (96.9%) with minimal loss to follow-up.
- Most participants (92%) achieved their set goals, with 46% exceeding expectations.
- Small effect sizes were observed across all outcome measures, indicating limited systematic impact.
Conclusions:
- Home-based, task-specific training is safe and well-adhered to in mid-stage HD.
- The intervention's design (dose, intensity, specificity) may not have been sufficient for significant functional improvements.
- Further large-scale trials of this specific intervention are not warranted, suggesting a need for modified approaches.
