Combining balance exercises with vagus nerve stimulation for improving movement and reducing anxiety in Parkinson's disease
Investigating the Effects of Combined Balance Exercise and Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Weight-shifting Control and Ambulation in Patients With Parkinson Disease and Anxiety: Under Time and Space Constraints
This study is testing whether combining balance exercises with a special nerve stimulation can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their movement and reduce anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 94 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06476912 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of combining balance training with transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who also experience anxiety. It aims to determine whether this combined approach can improve balance and gait, particularly under conditions that typically exacerbate anxiety. The study will include patients with idiopathic PD and varying levels of anxiety, assessing their ability to walk and maintain balance. The methodology focuses on the potential benefits of neuromodulation through tVNS alongside physical exercise.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who also exhibit symptoms of anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diseases, severe cognitive impairment, or those who have undergone brain surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease by improving their balance and reducing anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: While vagus nerve stimulation has shown promise in reducing anxiety in other contexts, this specific combination of tVNS and balance training in Parkinson's disease is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. idiopathic Parkinson's disease 2. Parkinson Anxiety Scale \< 13 scores: non-anxiety group or PAS \>14 scores: anxiety group 3. subject can walk for 20 meters without assistance 4. no other neurological disease Exclusion Criteria: 1. Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE \< 26 scores 2. depression 3. brain surgery such as deep brain stimulation 4. people with visual impairments
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- School and graduate institute of physical therapy — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cheng-Ya Huang, PhD
- Email: rcyhuang@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: 886-2-3366-8131
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.