Tele-rehabilitation for balance in Parkinson's disease
Balance Tele-rehabilitation With Wearable Technology for Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease
This study tests if virtual balance training with a therapist can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their balance and mobility compared to doing home exercises on their own.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Oregon Health and Science University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05680597 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of remote evaluation and treatment for balance disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo a virtual balance assessment using wearable sensors to measure balance and gait. They will be randomized into two groups: one receiving standard unsupervised home exercises and the other receiving tele-rehabilitation guided by a therapist. The study seeks to determine if improvements in balance rehabilitation translate to better mobility in daily life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 55-85 with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who are responsive to levodopa and have balance issues.
Not a fit: Patients with major musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, or those with conditions that contraindicate exercise, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance balance and mobility for patients with Parkinson's disease, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in tele-rehabilitation approaches for similar conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of idiopathic PD from movement disorders neurologist with the United Kingdom Brain Bank criteria of bradykinesia and one or more of the following - rest tremor, rigidity, and balance problems not from visual, vestibular, cerebellar or proprioceptive conditions 2. responsive to levodopa (self-reported) 3. Hoehn \& Yahr stages I-III; 4. ages 55-85 years old 5. ability to follow directions in order to participate in testing procedures and exercise classes 6. free of any medical conditions or medication that contraindicates participation in an exercise program 7. willing and able to participate in rehabilitation intervention approximately 3x/week for 4 weeks while also refraining from making changes to medications (as reasonable) or to other exercise programs during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Major musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, structural brain disease, epilepsy, acute illness or health history, other than PD, significantly affecting gait and balance (i.e., musculoskeletal disorder, vestibular problem, head injury, stroke, cardiac disease, etc.) 2. no medical condition that precludes exercise 3. cognitive inability to participate in an exercise program, such as MoCA score less than or equal to 19, prior diagnosis of dementia or inability to follow directions 4. recurrent fallers, defined as those who fall more than 3 times a week (from patient and caregiver recollection) 5. excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs 6. recent change in medication 7. inability to stand and walk for ISAW without an assistive device.
Where this trial is running
Portland, Oregon
- Oregon Health Science University — Portland, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laurie A King, PhD — Oregon Health and Science University
- Study coordinator: Laurie King, PhD
- Email: kingla@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 503-418-2602
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.