Exploring how autonomy affects motor learning in Parkinson's disease

Influence of Autonomy on Motor Learning in People With Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05960331

This study is testing if allowing people with Parkinson's disease to choose how they receive feedback during practice can help them learn better and feel more motivated.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT05960331 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of autonomy-supported learning on motor learning in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be divided into two groups: one with the ability to choose their feedback schedule during practice and another that receives predetermined feedback. The study aims to assess whether this autonomy can enhance intrinsic motivation, improve information processing, and facilitate changes in cortical excitability. Learning outcomes will be evaluated through performance tests conducted on the second day and one week later, alongside assessments of motivation and cortical plasticity using transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old with Parkinson's disease who can follow instructions and have no recent upper extremity injuries.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders, severe tremors, or those who have undergone deep brain stimulation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved motor learning and motivation in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of autonomy-supported learning is gaining interest, this specific approach in Parkinson's disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age above 20-years-old
* able to follow instructions to perform the tasks (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 24)
* no surgery and injury in upper extremities in recent 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* other neurological disorders in addition to Parkinson's disease
* Parkinson's disease dementia
* symptom of severe tremor in upper extremities (score ≥ 3 in Question 15 to 18 of UPDRS-III)
* deep brain stimulation or pacemaker implanted
* medical history of seizure
* a blood-relative with history of epilepsy
* unstable medical conditions
* pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson DiseaseParkinson's diseaseAutonomyMotor learningTranscranial magnetic stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.