Multi-centre randomised controlled feasibility trial with embedded process evaluation of a samba percussion intervention for people living with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol for the Sparky Samba trial

Hamilton, Rebecca ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1241-6671, Malin, Eirwen, Kirby, Nigel, Williams-Thomas, Rhys, Pallmann, Philip ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8274-9696, Smallman, Kim ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9283-8120, Mclauchlan, Duncan, Jacob, Nina, Baxter, Jazmine, Jones, Chris, Metzler-Baddeley, Claudia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8646-1144, Hamana, Katy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5213-253X and Drew, Cheney JG ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4397-6252 2026. Multi-centre randomised controlled feasibility trial with embedded process evaluation of a samba percussion intervention for people living with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol for the Sparky Samba trial. BMJ Open 16 (9) , e114372. 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-114372

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Abstract

Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, its principal symptom being deterioration of motor function. Current treatment options are limited to symptom management but there is evidence that physical activity can provide motor benefits. More recently there is evidence to suggest that rhythmic auditory stimulation may improve gait and balance in PD. Sparky Samba is a community initiative in South Wales, UK, founded by a person living with PD. Sessions incorporate the following samba rhythms from a trained facilitator and are held weekly in a community setting. Methods The Sparky Samba trial is a multi-site, non-blinded, randomised controlled feasibility trial of Sparky Samba compared with activity as usual. A total of 60 people with PD will be randomised 1:1 to take part in a local Sparky Samba group for 12 weeks or continue their normal activities for the same length of time. The primary outcome is feasibility defined by recruitment, retention, data completeness and intervention adherence. Secondary outcomes relating to motor function, cognition, well-being and self-efficacy will also be assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Additionally, we will conduct a process evaluation to understand contextual mechanisms surrounding Sparky Samba. This will be achieved through qualitative interviews and structured participant questionnaires following individual trial completion and through structured questionnaires with intervention delivery staff, supplemented with qualitative interviews. Analysis Feasibility outcomes will be assessed according to pre-defined criteria. For secondary outcomes, means and standard deviations (or medians and IQRs) will be calculated by arm, alongside 95% CIs for change from baseline to 12-week follow-up. Qualitative data will be subject to thematic analysis using NVivo software. Ethics and dissemination This study received a favourable ethical opinion from the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee in April 2025 (REC reference 25/NS/0037). Study results will be disseminated through the peer-review literature, the ISRCTN registry and directly to participants, which will be facilitated by the study’s public and patient involvement steering group.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences Schools > Psychology Schools > Medicine Research Institutes & Centres > Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) Research Institutes & Centres > Centre for Trials Research (CNTRR)
Publisher:	BMJ Publishing Group
ISSN:	2044-6055
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 September 2026
Date of Acceptance:	25 August 2026
Last Modified:	01 Oct 2026 09:27
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189567

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