Endurance Exercise & Virtual Reality for Optimizing Cortical Excitability and Neuroplasticity in PD (NCT06133283) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Endurance Exercise & Virtual Reality for Optimizing Cortical Excitability and Neuroplasticity in PD
United States16 participantsStarted 2024-02-09
Plain-language summary
This study aims to determine the effects of aerobic exercise as a primer to add-on virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation on balance, postural control and neuroplasticity (ability of brain to adapt in structure and function) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study will utilize two groups - one group will receive the exercise and VR, while the other group will receive stretching exercise and VR over eight weeks. The study team will administer outcomes at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks after post-assessment).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Diagnosis of idiopathic PD (ages 18 -85) in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 - 3.
. Subjects need to demonstrate a score of equal to or greater than 23 on the Mini Mental State Examination.
. Subjects who have a score of ≤21.5 on the Mini Balance Evaluations Systems Test (miniBESTest).
Exclusion criteria
. Subjects with a history of other neurological diseases (i.e., stroke, multiple sclerosis).
. Subjects with a history of severe cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, severe arthritis affecting their lower extremity joints.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial combined endurance exercise with virtual reality specifically to work on balance in Parkinson's disease — based on what you know about my current balance problems, do you think that kind of combined approach could be relevant for my care?
2Since this trial has already been completed, would you be able to look up whether any results have been published, and what they might mean for someone at my stage of Parkinson's?
3This study was labeled 'Phase NA,' which often means it was more exploratory — does that affect how confident we should be in any findings it produced about balance improvement?
4Virtual reality equipment and structured endurance exercise can be demanding to access and keep up with — if the results look promising, are there realistic ways I could pursue a similar approach given my current fitness level and daily routine?
5Before considering anything inspired by this trial, should I first focus on standard physical therapy or exercise programs already recommended for Parkinson's balance, or might this kind of combined approach be worth discussing as an addition or alternative?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Balance
Timeframe: Baseline, post (8 week), follow-up (14 weeks)
Trial details
NCT IDNCT06133283
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio