Golf Instruction Versus Tai Chi for People With Parkinson's Disease

Approximately, 40-50 participants with Parkinson's Disease (H&Y stage 2 to 3) will be
enrolled in this study. Participants who provide informed consent will be randomized 1:1 to
either group golf instruction or group Tai Chi classes. Participants will be evaluated before
and after the intervention with a battery of cognitive, motor and balance assessments
including the UPDRS, the Mini-BESTest of balance, and timed up and go tests. They will
participate in classes twice weekly for 10 weeks which will be provided free of charge. At
the end of the intervention period they will repeat the assessments. The primary outcomes of
the study are feasibility and tolerability. The key secondary objectives are to measure the
efficacy of golf instruction on measures of balance, risk of falls.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Adult participants with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by a Movement Disorders
specialist, H&Y stage II-III in the "On" state treated with Parkinson's disease
medications

- Participants must be capable of providing informed consent and complying with trial
procedures including transportation to and from classes.

- Participants must be willing and able to participate in group exercise classes.

- Participants who are engaged in physical therapy or other exercise programs must be at
a stable regimen for 60 days prior to the start of the study and must be willing to
maintain their current regimen for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Clinical evidence of unstable medical or psychiatric illness which would prevent them
from engaging in exercise

- Participants who are already active golfers or currently active in Tai Chi would be
excluded.