Using virtual reality to assess fear of falling in people with Parkinson's disease
The Role of Virtual Reality in Examining the Effect of Fear of Falling (FOF) on Postural Stability in Individuals Without and With Parkinson's Disease in Egypt: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
This study is testing if virtual reality can help understand and measure fear of falling in people with Parkinson's disease during movement tasks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ahram Canadian University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT05931692 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to develop an objective method for assessing fear of falling (FoF) in individuals with Parkinson's disease using virtual reality technology. Participants, both with and without Parkinson's disease, will engage in movement tasks and walking assessments in both real and virtual environments to elicit FoF responses. The study will collect data on cognitive, neuromuscular, and postural stability factors to better understand the impact of FoF on mobility. The goal is to create a more accurate assessment tool that goes beyond subjective self-reports.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 40 and older diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience excessive fear of falling and can walk independently.
Not a fit: Patients with impaired vision or hearing, unstable medical conditions, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment and management of fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in assessing balance and mobility is gaining traction, this specific approach to objectively measure fear of falling in Parkinson's disease is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * People ≥ 40 years old. * Participants diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a neurologist, regardless the type. * Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages I to III. * Able to follow instructions and understand questions. * Able to walk independently and without walking aids. * People who experience excessive fear of falling and fear of movement. * Able to communicate verbally. * Stable use of Parkinson's Disease or other comorbidities medications. Exclusion Criteria: * Impaired vision and hearing. * Unstable medical condition. * Co-existing neurological or orthopedic conditions that may limit mobility and affect participation. * Dizziness, vertigo, headache, and motion-sickness. * Cognition impairments. * Pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Human Mechatronics Lab, Ain Shams Virtual Hospital, Ain Shams University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yasmine S Gomaa, Ph.d — Kafrelsheikh University
- Study coordinator: Yasmine S Gomaa, Ph.d
- Email: yasmeen_gomaa@pt.kfs.edu.eg
- Phone: +201001590520
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.