Motor imagery training to improve hand dexterity and balance in Parkinson's disease
Effects of Motor Imagery Training on Kinesiophobia, Gait, and Balance in Parkinson's Disease Patients
This program will test whether guided mental imagery exercises can help people aged 40–75 with Parkinson's disease improve hand dexterity and balance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kahramanmaraş, Onikişubat) |
| Trial ID | NCT07193355 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol uses a structured mental imagery application aimed at imaginal practice of upper-extremity tasks and balance-related movements in people with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Eligible participants (age 40–75, m-HY ≤4) will be cognitively screened with the MMSE and complete the mental imagery training while clinicians measure manual dexterity and balance before and after the intervention. Individuals with other neurological or systemic diseases, significant orthopedic limits, or on neuroleptic/antidepressant medications are excluded. The approach relies on repeated motor imagery sessions as a non-invasive rehabilitation adjunct to target motor control and somatosensory processing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 40–75 with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, Modified Hoehn & Yahr stage ≤4, appropriate MMSE score (≥22 with formal training or ≥18 without), no other neurological/systemic disease, and no upper-extremity contractures.
Not a fit: People with other neurological diseases, active psychiatric illness, those taking neuroleptic or antidepressant medications, or with severe orthopedic conditions affecting the hands are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the intervention could produce measurable improvements in hand function and balance that help daily activities and reduce motor disability.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and rehabilitation programs using motor imagery in neurological populations, including Parkinson's disease and stroke, have reported some positive effects on motor skills, but results are variable and evidence remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 40-75 diagnosed with idiopathic PD, with a Modified Hoehn \& Yahr (m-HY) scale stage ≤4, and a score of ≥22 on the Mini Mental State Examination for those with formal training and ≥18 for those without formal training; * Individuals with no other known neurological and/or systemic disease; * Individuals without any upper extremity contractures; Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with diagnosed and/or treated psychiatric illnesses; * Individuals who are taking neuroleptic medications or antidepressants; * Individuals with orthopedic conditions such as severe dyskinesia, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, and finger amputations that interfere with manual dexterity tests; rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; and individuals with any neurological disease other than PD.
Where this trial is running
Kahramanmaraş, Onikişubat
- Kahramanmaraş Sütçü imam University — Kahramanmaraş, Onikişubat, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: hatice adıgüzel tat, Associate Proffessor
- Email: fzthatis@gmail.com
- Phone: +903443002647
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.