Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Lara Shigo
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Lara Shigo
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Physiology
The Impact of Speed-Variable Treadmill Training on Gait, Cognition and Motor Function in People with Parkinson's Disease
October 2o, 2025
11:o0 a.m.
MACC Annex Room 272
The Impact of Speed-Variable Treadmill Training on Gait, Cognition and Motor Function in People with Parkinson's Disease
Aerobic exercise may slow progression of Parkinson鈥檚 disease (PD), and augmentation with sensory feedback results in acute improvements in gait and chronic improvements in PD symptoms. However, current equipment inducing sensory feedback is expensive and not widely available. Speed-variable (SV) treadmill training involves constant small fluctuations in treadmill speed, inducing feedback without specialized equipment. 14 people with PD (PwPD) engaged in one bout of SV treadmill training and one bout of standard (N) treadmill training in a counterbalanced order on separate days. KinesiaONE hand motor function significantly improved following SV exercise (p=0.006, t=2.992, n=12, effect size 0.864). Significant program by time interaction in hand resting tremor (p=0.037, F=5.492, n=13), significant main effect of time in hand bradykinesia (p=0.011, F=9.395, n=13), and nonsignificant but meaningful changes in postural tremor point to potential dopaminergic impact of SV exercise. Pooled gait and executive function markers did not significantly improve following SV or N exercise. However, analysis by individual response showed improvements in stride length (p=0.006, t=-3.873, n=6) driving increases in gait speed (p=0.046, t=02.085, n=6) among individuals with gait improvements post-SV exercise. Individuals with higher baseline executive function improved working memory (p=0.004, t=-3.877, n=7) post-SV exercise, while individuals with lower baseline executive function reduced working memory (p=0.065, t=1.748, n=7) post-SV exercise. This indicates a potential relationship between exercise complexity and baseline cognition. Collectively, findings support future interventional analysis and support SV treadmill training as an effective intervention for inducing sensory feedback during aerobic exercise in PwPD.
第一吃瓜网 the Candidate
Lara Shigo
B.S., Physics
University of South Dakota
M.A., Kinesiology and Sport Management
University of South Dakota
Lara gained research experience as a member of Dr. Angela Ridgel鈥檚 Motor Control Lab and as a Research Associate (WOC) with the Cleveland VA. Work included contribution to a clinical trial of dynamic cycling in people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease, assessing motor function, balance, gait and cognition. Lara also served as an Exercise Interventionist in SPARX3 multisite clinical trial evaluating impact of aerobic exercise intensity on Parkinson鈥檚 disease progression. Teaching roles included Exercise Physiology and Strength & Conditioning labs. Lara served a two-year term as graduate student representative on the KSU Board of Trustees and holds certifications as an Exercise Physiologist (ACSM) and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA).
Lara previously worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota while competing in the women鈥檚 hammer throw. Lara looks forward to continuing her career as a faculty member, engaging with the Parkinson鈥檚 community, and paying forward mentorship.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
Angela Ridgel, Ph.D., FACSM
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Members
Jacob Barkley, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Mary Beth Spitznagel, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Psychological Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
Tao Shen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Engineering
College of Aeronautics and Engineering
Graduate Faculty Representative
Hayley Arnold, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services