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)
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
16 participants
Feb 9, 2024
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
Inclusion Criteria3
- 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 Criteria8
- 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.
- Subjects with a history of PD-specific surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation etc.
- Subjects with a history of head injury.
- Subjects with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
- Subjects who are currently pregnant.
- Individuals who use of medications that could alter corticomotor excitability or increase risk of seizure.
- Individuals with skull abnormalities, fractures or unexplained, recurring headaches.
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Interventions
High intensity interval exercise on a recumbent stepper for 30 minutes, 3 days per week.
Stretches of face, neck, upper extremity, trunk and lower extremity muscles including whole body stretches for 30 minutes, 3 days per week.
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)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06133283