RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05800470

The Effects of fNIRS-based Neurofeedback Training on Balance and Gait in Parkinson's Disease

The Novel Application of fNIRS-based Neurofeedback to Enhance Effects of Motor Imagery on Balance and Gait Performance in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

Sponsor

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Enrollment

93 participants

Start Date

Mar 19, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Movement Disorder, Functional

Summary

A cross-sectional study (part 1) aims to investigate the influence of fatigue on the MI ability in PD compared to healthy controls. A randomized controlled trial (part 2) aims to compare the effect of fNIRS-based NFB-MI on balance and gait performance versus MI only in people with PD.

Eligibility

Min Age: 40 YearsMax Age: 85 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a brain-computer feedback technique called neurofeedback (using a non-invasive brain imaging device called fNIRS) to see if it can improve balance and walking in people with Parkinson's disease. **You may be eligible if:** - You have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a neurologist (early to moderate stage) - You are able to walk independently without a walking device - You are between 40 and 85 years old - Your memory and thinking are reasonably intact - Your condition is medically stable **You may NOT be eligible if:** - You have significant memory or thinking problems (low score on cognitive testing) - You have epilepsy, metal implants in your brain, or a deep brain stimulator - You have another neurological condition (such as stroke) or psychiatric disorder - You take certain central nervous system medications (other than Parkinson's medications) - You are unable to recognize the English alphabet Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERfNIRS-based neurofeedback with motor imagery

A multichannel wearable fNIRS (NIRSport2, NIRx Medical Technologies LLC, Glen Head, NY, USA) will be used to detect the cortical activity in SMA. The HbO concentration will be processed and displayed as a visual feedback during MI training.

OTHERKinesthetic motor imagery

Prior to each task, participants will watch a video of a person executing balance tasks and walking tasks. The balance tasks will include static and dynamic standing tasks such as sit-to-stand, tandem stance, standing on a balance board, reaching out to different directions and single leg stance. The walking tasks consists of tandem walking, crossing obstacles, sideward walking, backward walking, and turning. The participants will be asked to kinesthetically imagine movements in the first-person perspective, and the researcher will give the explicit instruction encouraging them to focus on the feeling (i.e. tactile, proprioceptive and kinesthetic sensations). Each MI session consists of 10-min of balance tasks and 10-min of walking tasks.

OTHERMotor training

The tasks for balance and gait training are similar to those during the MI training. The difficulty of the tasks will be modified individually for each participant. The researcher will ensure the safety.