Light therapy for Parkinson's disease symptoms
Light Therapy Intervention in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
NA · University of Delaware · NCT06916260
This study is testing if light therapy can help improve thinking and movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT06916260 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of light therapy on cognitive and motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The non-invasive therapy involves delivering low-level wavelength light to the frontal cortex for 12 minutes, three times a week over six weeks. Participants will undergo cognitive and motor tests before and after the intervention to assess any changes, while controlling for factors such as age, sex, disease severity, medication, and exercise. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of light therapy for managing Parkinson's symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who can comply with study requirements.
Not a fit: Patients with concurrent neurological conditions or those with atypical forms of parkinsonism may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could improve cognitive and motor functions in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While light therapy is a novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promise in other conditions, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Parkinson disease Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants who are unable to comply with study visit/testing requirements (e.g. participants who cannot go off PD medication for the pre-, post-, and 3-month assessments). 2. Participants who are unable to provide consent. 3. Participants with a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) device. 4. Participants who have a history of a psychiatric disorder 5. Participants with PD who have other concurrent movement/neurological conditions, including dystonia, dementia, epilepsy etc. 6. Participants with a clinical diagnosis of PD that is not considered primary (e.g. vascular parkinsonism) or participants where an atypical form of parkinsonism is suspected (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy). 7. Participants with a history of cancer (whether treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy or not). 8. Participants with a history of a recent concussion or any facial, neck, or head injury within the last 6 months. UD IRB Approved: 03/12/2025 IRBNet ID#: 2277769-2 I/C from Rev. 01/2024 Page 3 of 10 Participant's Initial's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 9. Known injury or disease that might interfere with motor function in the proposed experiments (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, extrapyramidal dysfunction, neuromuscular disease, orthopedic problems that impair movement). 10. Participants with a history of photosensitivity. 11. Participants who are not able to walk unassisted for 2 minutes
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- University of Delaware STAR Tower — Newark, Delaware, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sara Penuela, PhD student
- Email: penuelas@udel.edu
- Phone: 9739740120
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.
Conditions: Parkinson Disease