Virtual reality training to improve hand movement in Parkinson's disease

A New 3D Virtual Reality-based Upper Limb Training to Improve Dexterity in Parkinson's Disease: a Randomized Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Luzerner Kantonsspital · NCT05965661

This study is testing whether a 4-week virtual reality training program can help improve hand movement and daily activities for people with Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorLuzerner Kantonsspital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lucerne)
Trial IDNCT05965661 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a 4-week virtual reality-based upper limb training program designed to enhance dexterity in patients with Parkinson's disease. It employs a randomized, two-arm, single assessor blind, parallel design to compare the specific VR training with a control VR training that is less focused on dexterity. The study aims to evaluate improvements in hand coordination and the impact on activities of daily living, ultimately assessing the effect on the quality of life for participants. The research is conducted at a single center, Luzerner Kantonsspital.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 40 to 99 with confirmed Parkinson's disease and self-reported difficulties in dexterity.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric diseases, or significant visual impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly improve hand dexterity and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is a growing field, this specific approach targeting dexterity in Parkinson's disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with confirmed PD, according to UK Brain bank Criteria
* Hoehn \& Yahr Stadium I to IV
* Age 40 to 99 years
* written and signed informed consent
* self-reported dexterous difficulties

Exclusion Criteria:

* MoCA \<21/30
* psychiatric disease
* participation on other interventional trials
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.
* severe visual impairment

Where this trial is running

Lucerne

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 Diseasevirtual reality trainingdexterityParkinsonian DisordersBasal Ganglia DiseasesBrain DiseasesCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System Diseases
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.