Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and impact of a student-led transportation model designed to improve access to evidence-based exercise programs for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Transportation barriers represent a major challenge to safe and equitable care for individuals with PD. Medication side effects and motor symptoms can make driving unsafe, while limited caregiver or financial support can restrict care access. Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is an evidence-based program that improves motor function and quality of life, yet many participants cannot attend due to transportation barriers. This gap contributes to mobility declines and increased social isolation, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups. To address this, we developed a student-led initiative designed to coordinate transportation for people with PD attending RSB, thereby improving psychosocial wellbeing.

Method: Medical students partnered with a local RSB gym and transportation vendor to coordinate round-trip rides for individuals with PD attending RSB classes. Program feasibility was assessed by tracking ride utilization, mileage, and safety events. Participant experiences were evaluated through surveys assessing satisfaction and perceived impact on exercise participation, community, and well-being.

Results: Six individuals with PD enrolled in the pilot program, with four completing follow-up evaluations. Over three months, 17 round-trip rides were coordinated, covering 413 miles of transportation to exercise sessions. All rides were completed without safety concerns. All participants reported that the service made it easier to attend exercise classes and expressed willingness to continue using the program. Most participants reported improved ability to exercise regularly, social engagement, and emotional well-being. Standardized assessments demonstrated reduced loneliness and improved well-being.

Conclusion: This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of a student-led transportation model to improve access to exercise programs for people with PD. Addressing transportation barriers may represent a scalable strategy to enhance participation in exercise, reduce social isolation, and promote equitable access to supportive PD care. Future work includes development of a structured volunteer curriculum and adaptation of this model for individuals with other neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Impact on Daily Life of Participants in Program

References: González, D. A., Tosin, M. H. S., Warner-Rosen, T., Afshari, M., Barton, B., Fleisher, J. E., Hall, D. A., Kirby, A. E., Kompoliti, K., Mahajan, A., Patel, N., Swan, C., & Goetz, C. G. (2025). Loneliness in Parkinson’s disease: Subjective experience overshadows objective motor impairment. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 136, 107867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.107867

Frank, S., Berk, S., Hernandez, L., Hogarth, P., Shill, H. A., Siddiqi, B., & Simon, D. K. (2019). Transportation innovation to aid Parkinson disease trial recruitment. Contemporary clinical trials communications, 16, 100449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100449

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/improving-equitable-access-to-parkinsons-disease-exercise-programs-through-a-student-led-transportation-model/