RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06133283

Endurance Exercise & Virtual Reality for Optimizing Cortical Excitability and Neuroplasticity in PD

High Intensity Endurance Exercise as a Primer to Virtual Reality for Optimizing Cortical Excitability and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's Disease (PD)


Sponsor

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Enrollment

16 participants

Start Date

Feb 9, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

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).


Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 85 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether combining endurance exercise (like cycling or walking) with virtual reality (VR) sessions can improve brain function and balance in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). VR can make exercise more engaging and may provide additional stimulation to the brain, potentially enhancing the benefits beyond exercise alone. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 to 85 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (idiopathic PD, stages 2-3) - You score at least 23 on a cognitive screening test (indicating adequate mental function) - You have some balance difficulty but are still able to participate in exercise **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions - You have severe heart or lung disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or severe diabetes - You have had deep brain stimulation surgery - You are pregnant - You have epilepsy or seizures - You take medications that could affect seizure threshold or brain stimulation effects 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

BEHAVIORALHigh intensity endurance exercise

High intensity interval exercise on a recumbent stepper for 30 minutes, 3 days per week.

BEHAVIORALStretching exercise

Stretches of face, neck, upper extremity, trunk and lower extremity muscles including whole body stretches for 30 minutes, 3 days per week.

BEHAVIORALVirtual reality (VR)-based gaming

VR games will involve games that challenge balance such as reaching different targets during activities such as sit to stand, dodging obstacles etc. Participants will play approximately 6 games for 30 minutes, 3 days a week.


Locations(1)

UT Health San Antonio- Dept. of Physical Therapy

San Antonio, Texas, United States

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NCT06133283


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