Phygital exergames to improve hand and arm function in Parkinson's
Official title: Exergaming With Physical Objects for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Parkinson's Disease: Effects on Functional Outcome
Run by University of Health Sciences Lahore · NCT07475741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will see if adding real physical objects to exergames helps people with early Parkinson's improve hand and arm function during a 12-week program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Health Sciences Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07475741 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people with early-stage Parkinson's (Hoehn and Yahr I–III), MMSE ≥24, who can follow commands and are regularly taking levodopa/carbidopa.
✕Probably not a fit
People with advanced Parkinson's (stage IV–V), significant cognitive impairment, other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting hand use, or those not taking routine medications are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled pilot comparing a phygital exergaming program to conventional therapy in people with early-stage Parkinson's disease. Thirty participants will be recruited by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the phygital group or a control group, with both groups receiving three 30-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks. The phygital intervention combines tablet-based game prompts with tangible objects (for example blocks, spoons, and cups) to encourage multisensory, task-oriented practice, while the control group receives conventional physical therapy or screen-only exergaming. Outcomes will be measured in private exam rooms using standardized tests such as the Box and Block Test to quantify upper limb function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve hand dexterity and make daily activities easier for people with early Parkinson's.
How similar studies have gone: Previous exergaming studies in Parkinson's have shown motor benefits, but integrating real physical objects (a phygital approach) is relatively novel and remains underexplored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Early-stage Parkinson's Disease from I-III of Hoehn and Yahr scale * Cognitinve Assessment MMSE \>= 24 Score * Able to communicate and understand the commands * Must be on regular use of Levodopa/carbidopa Exclusion Criteria: * Advanced stage IV or V * Patients with severe cognitive deficits. * History of suffering from other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting hand use for the exercise * Not taking any medicine for systemic illness
Where it's running
-
Punjab institute of Neuroscience Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hafiz Muddassir Riaz, Ph.D Scholar
- Email: muddassir.riaz@gmail.com
- Phone: +92345-6627409
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.