Focal muscle vibration for improving balance in Parkinson's disease

Effects of Focal Muscle Vibratory Energy in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: Pilot Prospective Observational Study.

Observational Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06278623

This study is testing if a special vibration treatment on certain muscles can help improve balance in people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment23 (estimated)
Ages18 Months and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT06278623 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of focal muscle vibration on the balance of patients with Parkinson's disease, specifically those at Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III. Participants will receive three weeks of focal vibration treatment applied to specific muscle groups, alongside conventional physiotherapy. The effectiveness of this intervention will be assessed through balance evaluations at baseline, after treatment, and one month post-treatment using the Tinetti scale and stabilometry. The goal is to determine if this approach can enhance static and dynamic balance in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III who have effective pharmacological control and no cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with atypical Parkinsonism, poor pharmacological control, or other neurological and musculoskeletal disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve balance and reduce the risk of falls for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of focal muscle vibration may be novel, previous studies have indicated potential benefits of sensory integration therapies in improving balance in Parkinson's disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* diagnosis of Parkinson's disease according to the criteria of the Brain Bank of London;
* Hoehn and Yahr stage II-III;
* absence of cognitive impairment
* (MMSE \> 24/30); e
* effective pharmacological control of the pathology;
* being part of the PD group-rehabilitation program of our ward for at least one year; -
* acceptance and signature of informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

* comprised: a diagnosis of atypical Parkinsonism;
* poor pharmacological compensation of the disease;
* diagnosis of other neurological diseases;
* diagnosisof neuromuscular diseases;
* diagnosis of osteo-articular pathologies;
* cognitive impairment (MMSE \< 24);
* visual impairment;
* vestibular disorders;
* not being part of our PD group-rehabilitation for at least one year;
* denial of informed consent

Where this trial is running

Roma

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 DiseasePosturalDefectRehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.