Using robotic devices to improve rehabilitation for elderly patients with Parkinson's disease

Assistive Robotic in the Elderly: Innovative Models in the Rehabilitation of the Elderly With Parkinson's Disease Through Technological Innovation

Not applicable Interventional Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani · NCT04087031

This study is testing whether using robotic devices during rehab can help older people with Parkinson's disease walk better and reduce their risk of falling.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment195 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Ancona and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04087031 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate a new rehabilitation approach for elderly patients with Parkinson's disease by incorporating robotic devices into traditional therapy. It will involve a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with 195 participants, who will be divided into three groups: one receiving traditional rehabilitation, another using the Tymo system, and the last using Walker View alongside traditional therapy. The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions on gait improvement and fall risk reduction, with follow-ups planned to evaluate long-term outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are in stages 1-3 of the Hoehn and Yahr scale and have a functional ambulation classification of 2 or less.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, other neurological diseases, or those unable to participate in follow-ups may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using robotic rehabilitation in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hoen and Yahr scale: 1-3 stage
* FAC ≤ 2
* Ranking scale score ≤ 3
* Stability of drug treatment for at least 1 month
* Geriatric Depression Scale 5-items: negative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant participation in other studies
* Lack of written informed consent
* Clinical dementia rating (CDR) score ≥ 3
* History of syncopal episodes, epilepsy and vertigo not controlled pharmacologically
* Serious dysfunction of the autonomic system
* Severe behavioral syndromes not compensated by drugs
* Concurrent neurological diseases
* Severe systemic diseases with life expectancy \< 1 year
* Patients unable to follow up.

Where this trial is running

Ancona and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Parkinson DiseaseFrail ElderlyRobotic Devices in RehabilitationParkinson diseaseroboticselderlyrehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.