Patient-specific 3D action observation in immersive virtual reality for Parkinson's
Examining the Effect of Action Observation Training Using Patient-Specific 3D Records in Parkinson's Patients
This project will test whether watching your own 3D-recorded movements in an immersive virtual-reality headset can speed up movements and reduce bradykinesia in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Abant Izzet Baysal University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bolu, Bolu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07250672 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants will wear fully immersive virtual-reality headsets and observe rhythmic movements captured from their own 3D motion recordings, with a comparison group viewing healthy-model recordings. The intervention delivers repeated action-observation sessions aimed at improving bradykinesia and rhythmic motor control, with assessments over time to gauge lasting effects. Primary outcomes focus on changes in bradykinesia and spontaneous finger movement speed, while secondary outcomes include other motor and functional disease-related measures. The protocol excludes people with significant 3D-vision problems, high simulator sickness scores, other neurological disorders, or recent medication changes to ensure safety and reliable VR exposure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a neurologist-confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis who can walk independently, are on stable antiparkinsonian medication, and have Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 or lower.
Not a fit: Patients with additional neurological disorders, recent changes in Parkinson medication, significant 3D vision impairments, high simulator sickness scores, or inability to walk independently may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, personalized immersive VR action-observation could help people with Parkinson's move faster and perform daily tasks with less slowness.
How similar studies have performed: Single-session action-observation studies have shown short-term improvements in bradykinesia, but long-term use of patient-specific immersive VR is novel and less tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary agreement to participate in the study * Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease confirmed by a neurologist * Ongoing treatment with antiparkinsonian medication * Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stage ≤ 3 * Ability to walk independently Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of additional neurological disorders other than Parkinson's disease * Change in medication dosage within the past month * Score of ≥ 10 on the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire * Presence of amblyopia, strabismus, or pathologies impairing focus, depth perception, or normal 3D vision * Failure on the butterfly test of the Titmus stereotest (greater than 3,552 seconds of arc)
Where this trial is running
Bolu, Bolu
- Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Health Science — Bolu, Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Enes T Benli, Ph.D
- Email: enestayyipbenli@gmail.com
- Phone: +905387359268
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.