Multimodal exercise program with gamification for Parkinson's disease

A Multimodal Exercise Program With Gamification (MEP+G) in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

EARLY_PHASE1 · California State University, Northridge · NCT06538298

This study is testing a fun exercise program that mixes non-contact boxing and computer games to see if it helps people with Parkinson's disease stay active and improve their skills.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorCalifornia State University, Northridge (other)
Locations1 site (Ventura, California)
Trial IDNCT06538298 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a comprehensive exercise program that combines non-contact boxing and computerized games for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will engage in a 6-week multimodal exercise regimen, attending sessions three times a week, each lasting 60 minutes. The program includes strengthening, balance, aerobic, and flexibility exercises, all guided by a licensed physical therapist. The use of the SMARTfit game will challenge participants' cognitive and reaction skills while they perform boxing drills.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, in Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3, who can ambulate with or without assistance.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diseases, recent deep brain stimulation, or those already participating in similar exercise programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance physical fitness and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar multimodal exercise interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3 disease as determined by primary care physician, neurologist, or movement disorder specialist
* diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
* ability to ambulate with or without an assistive device
* transportation to and from testing site
* ability to stand unassisted for 10 minutes
* stable on Parkinson's disease medications for 3 months as determined by physician
* medical clearance by their PCP, neurologist, or movement disorder specialist to participate in a moderate to vigorous exercise program.

Exclusion Criteria:

* other neurological disease other than Parkinson's disease
* having had deep brain stimulation within the past 3 months , as determined by their physician
* currently participating in a Rock Steady boxing program
* self-report participation in moderate to vigorous exercise greater than 60 minutes per week.

  * required

Where this trial is running

Ventura, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parkinson Disease, Multimodal Exercise, Gamification, Parkinson's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.