Using robots to help older adults with Parkinson's disease through dance therapy
SocIal ROBOTics for Active and Healthy Ageing
This study is testing a fun dance therapy program using robots to see if it can help older adults with early-stage Parkinson's disease feel better and enjoy their rehabilitation more.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura per Anziani Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ancona and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05005208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the acceptability of the SI-ROBOTICS system, which integrates robotic technology into a rehabilitation program based on Irish dancing for individuals with early-stage Parkinson's Disease. The system includes a social robot for patient monitoring, a dance game for engagement, and sensors to collect clinical data. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning and end of the treatment to evaluate the system's effectiveness and user experience. The goal is to enhance rehabilitation through interactive and enjoyable methods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults with early-stage Parkinson's Disease who can consent and meet specific functional criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with severe behavioral syndromes, uncontrolled neurological conditions, or significant mobility impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of robotics in rehabilitation is a growing field, this specific approach combining dance therapy with robotic assistance is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Capacity to consent; * Hoen and Yahr scale: 1-2 stage; * Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) ≥ 2; * Ranking scale score ≤ 3; * Stability of drug treatment for at least 1 month; * Geriatric Depression Scale 4-items ≤ 1; * Mini Mental State Examination ≥ 24; * Maintaining an upright posture ≥ 30''. Exclusion Criteria: * 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 and/or cardiac diseases; * Recent femur fracture * Chronic medium to severe pain affecting standing or walking.
Where this trial is running
Ancona and 1 other locations
- IRCCS INRCA Hospital — Ancona, Italy (Not_yet_recruiting)
- IRCCS INRCA Hospital — Ancona, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Giovanni Riccardi, MD — Irccs-Inrca
- Study coordinator: Roberta Bevilacqua
- Email: r.bevilacqua@inrca.it
- Phone: 00390718004767
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.