fNIRS neurofeedback with motor imagery to improve balance and walking in Parkinson's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study has two parts: a cross-sectional comparison of motor imagery ability and the effects of fatigue in people with Parkinson's disease versus age-matched healthy controls, and a randomized controlled trial testing interventions in people with Parkinson's. In the RCT, participants are randomly assigned to neurofeedback-plus-motor-imagery, motor-imagery-only, or motor training groups and receive 12 sessions over four weeks. Neurofeedback uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during 20-minute motor imagery sessions, followed by balance and gait training, while outcomes (Mini-BEST, TUG, gait measures) are measured before, after, and at follow-up. The cross-sectional part examines general and induced fatigue using validated scales and correlates fatigue levels with motor imagery ability.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Part 1

Additional Inclusion Criteria for PD:

1. diagnosis of idiopathic PD by neurologist with Hoehn and Yahr stage \< 4;
2. stable medical condition;
3. capability of walking independently without walking devices.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. cognitive impairment indicated by MMSE score \< 24;
2. motor imagery ability indicated by KVIQ score \< 25;
3. unable recognize 26 letters in the English alphabet
4. history of diseases or conditions known to interfere with participating this study (e.g. epilepsy, metal implants in the brain, or deep brain stimulation);
5. diagnosis of any other neurological disease or psychiatric disorder (e.g. stroke, anxiety disorder, or depression);
6. using central nervous system medications other than for PD, e.g. antiepileptic drugs in recent 3 months.

Part 2

Inclusion Criteria:

1. aged 40-85 y/o;
2. diagnosis of idiopathic PD by neurologist with Hoehn and Yahr stage \< 4;
3. stable medical condition;
4. capability of walking independently for 10 minutes, which is the time needed for imagery walking training in order to eliminate the possible influence of physical fatigue.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. cognitive impairment indicated by MMSE score \< 24;
2. history of diseases or conditions known to interfere with participating this study (e.g. epilepsy, metal implants in the brain, or deep brain stimulation);
3. diagnosis of any other neurological disease or psychiatric disorder (e.g. stroke, anxiety disorder, or depression);
4. using central nervous system medications other than for PD, e.g. antiepileptic drugs in recent 3 months.

Where it's running

• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
  Taipei, None Selected, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ray-Yau Wang — National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
• Study coordinator: Ray-Yau Wang
• Email: rywang@nycu.edu.tw
• Phone: +88628267210

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.