Using exercise and virtual reality to improve balance and brain function in Parkinson's disease
High Intensity Endurance Exercise as a Primer to Virtual Reality for Optimizing Cortical Excitability and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's Disease (PD)
This study is testing if combining high-intensity exercise with virtual reality can help improve balance and brain function in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06133283 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high-intensity endurance exercise combined with virtual reality rehabilitation on balance, postural control, and neuroplasticity in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving exercise and VR or a control group receiving stretching exercises and VR over an eight-week period. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and at a follow-up six weeks later, focusing on balance, gait, neuroplasticity measures, and quality of life. The study aims to explore how these interventions can enhance brain adaptability and overall patient well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-85 diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2-3.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiopulmonary diseases, other neurological disorders, or those who have undergone specific Parkinson's-related surgeries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve balance and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using exercise and virtual reality for rehabilitation in neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of idiopathic PD (ages 18 -85) in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 - 3. 2. Subjects need to demonstrate a score of equal to or greater than 23 on the Mini Mental State Examination. 3. Subjects who have a score of ≤21.5 on the Mini Balance Evaluations Systems Test (miniBESTest). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects with a history of other neurological diseases (i.e., stroke, multiple sclerosis). 2. Subjects with a history of severe cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, severe arthritis affecting their lower extremity joints. 3. Subjects with a history of PD-specific surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation etc. 4. Subjects with a history of head injury. 5. Subjects with a history of seizures or epilepsy. 6. Subjects who are currently pregnant. 7. Individuals who use of medications that could alter corticomotor excitability or increase risk of seizure. 8. Individuals with skull abnormalities, fractures or unexplained, recurring headaches.
Where this trial is running
San Antonio, Texas
- UT Health San Antonio- Dept. of Physical Therapy — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anjali Sivaramakrishnan — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Anjali Sivaramakrishnan, PhD
- Email: sivaramakris@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 210-567-8626
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.