Whole-body light therapy for motor and thinking symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Evaluation Study of the Effects and Safety of Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy on Motor and Cognitive Changes in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
This trial will test whether about 10 weeks of whole-body photobiomodulation (20 minutes per session, about three times a week) can improve movement and thinking in adults with Parkinson's disease who can walk independently.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do) |
| Trial ID | NCT07271927 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center interventional study gives ambulatory adults with Parkinson's disease whole-body photobiomodulation sessions lasting 20 minutes, roughly three times per week, for about 10 weeks. Participants will be monitored before, during, and after treatment for changes in motor function, cognitive performance, and safety outcomes. Eligibility focuses on Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–3 and age 40 or older, and excludes those with severe cognitive impairment, implanted electronic devices, seizures, or major psychiatric conditions. The trial is exploratory and aims to characterize the magnitude and tolerability of any motor or cognitive changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are ambulatory adults aged 40 or older with Parkinson's disease at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–3 who can understand and perform study tasks and do not have implanted electronic devices, uncontrolled seizures, or severe psychiatric or sensory impairments.
Not a fit: People with advanced Parkinson's disease (outside Hoehn and Yahr 1–3), severe cognitive impairment or non-Parkinson dementia, implanted electronic devices, a recent history of seizures or suicide attempts, severe psychiatric illness, or significant sensory or respiratory problems are unlikely to benefit or may be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, whole-body photobiomodulation could provide a non-invasive therapy that improves movement and thinking in people with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Small clinical reports and pilot studies of photobiomodulation for neurological disorders, including Parkinson's, have shown some promising motor and cognitive signals but the evidence is limited and not yet conclusive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3 based on medical history and examination * Adults aged 40 years or older * Individuals able to walk independently Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with severe cognitive impairment (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination \[K-MMSE\] score ≤ 9) making it difficult to understand and perform tasks * Patients with dementia other than Parkinson's disease dementia * Individuals with implanted medical or other electronic devices * Individuals with severe neuropsychiatric disorders * Individuals treated for alcohol dependence within 6 months prior to screening * Individuals with a history of suicide attempts * Individuals with a history of seizures * Individuals experiencing dyspnea while sitting at rest * Individuals with visual impairment preventing them from reading ordinary text even with corrective lenses * Individuals with hearing impairment preventing them from understanding conversation even with a hearing aid * Individuals who have participated in two or more clinical trials in the same year or in another clinical trial within the past 6 months * Women and men of childbearing potential who are planning pregnancy during the trial or who do not agree to use appropriate contraceptive methods * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Individuals deemed medically inappropriate for participation by the principal investigator or study staff based on clinically significant findings not otherwise specified above
Where this trial is running
Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do
- Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital — Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jisoo Baik
- Email: zisoo@pusan.ac.kr
- Phone: 082+055-360-4159
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.