Collaborative VR versus screen-based VR for Parkinson's rehabilitation
COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS of COLLABORATIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT and NON-IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY in the REHABILITATION of PATIENTS With PARKINSON'S DISEASE
This study tries two types of virtual-reality rehabilitation—therapist-guided collaborative VR versus screen-based non-immersive VR—for people with mild to moderate Parkinson's to see which improves movement, thinking, and quality of life over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Superior University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07523425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will assign people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease to either a therapist-guided Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE) or a non-immersive, screen-based virtual-reality (NIVR) program. Both groups will complete task-oriented, goal-directed exercises targeting motor and cognitive function across a 12-week intervention with graded progression and performance-based adjustments. Primary outcomes focus on standardized motor function scales, while secondary outcomes measure cognition, mobility, and quality of life. Sessions are delivered in-person at Punjab Institute of Neurosciences in Lahore, with eligibility limited to patients on stable medication and without severe cognitive or sensory impairments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 45–80 with idiopathic Parkinson's disease at Hoehn & Yahr stages I–III, on stable medication, with preserved cognition (MMSE ≥ 24), and able to take part in in-person virtual-rehabilitation sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, major visual/hearing/motor deficits unrelated to Parkinson's, epilepsy or other VR contraindications, severe musculoskeletal limitations, advanced comorbidities, or an inability/unwillingness to attend in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the collaborative VR approach could produce greater improvements in motor control, engagement, and daily functioning than standard screen-based VR for people with mild to moderate Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of screen-based and immersive VR have shown benefits for motor and functional outcomes in Parkinson's, but therapist-guided collaborative VR is less well-studied and represents a relatively novel comparison.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and Female * Age: 45 years-80 Years * Diagnosed patients of idiopathic Parkinson Disease with minor to moderate severity according to the Hoehn \& Yahr stages I-III. * On conventional and stable medical treatment at present * No severe cognitive impairments (MMSE ≥ 24). * Ability to participate in virtual rehabilitation sessions * Willingness to participate and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe visual, auditory, or motor impairments unrelated to Parkinson's. * Fear of virtual environment. * Comorbidities that hinder participation in the treatment (e.g., advanced dementia). * Severe musculoskeletal conditions limiting movement * History of epilepsy or conditions contraindicating virtual reality exposure * Participation in another interventional study within the last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Punjab Institute of Neurosciences Lahore — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hafiz Muddassir Riaz
- Email: muddassir.riaz@gmail.com
- Phone: +923456627409
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.