Slow-SPEED UK Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Slowing Parkinson’s Early through Exercise Dosage – United Kingdom
IRAS ID
362207
Contact name
Alastair Noyce
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological condition worldwide, affecting more than 150,000 people in the UK. At present, there are no treatments that can slow or prevent the disease. A reduced sense of smell, known as hyposmia, is one of the earliest and most common warning signs. People with hyposmia are at higher risk of developing Parkinson’s later in life.
This study, called Slow-SPEED UK, will test whether increasing physical activity through a smartphone-based programme is acceptable, safe and sustainable for people with hyposmia. Research suggests that exercise may protect the brain, improve movement and mood, and could potentially delay or reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
We will recruit 110 adults aged 40 or over who have confirmed hyposmia and who are not already highly active. Participants will wear a smartwatch to record their daily steps for four weeks. They will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Intervention group: encouraged to gradually double their daily step count and increase moderate exercise, supported by a digital app and smartwatch.
Control group: asked to make a small (10%) increase in steps, also using the same tools.
The study lasts 24 months. Each participant will remain in the study for approximately 18 months following the 4 week eligibility criteria screen. Assessments will take place at baseline, at 9 months (remote), and at the end. Some participants may also give blood or skin samples for exploratory research.
The main aim is to see whether people can keep up higher activity levels. We will also explore effects on fitness, mood, sleep and other early features linked with Parkinson’s.
The study is sponsored and funded by Queen Mary University of London, with recruitment through the PREDICT-PD study, the Centre for Preventive Neurology, and a specialist smell and taste clinic.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0892
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion