Virtual Reality and Fear of Falling in Parkinson's Disease

Launched by AHRAM CANADIAN UNIVERSITY · Jul 1, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to better understand and measure the fear of falling in people with Parkinson's disease using virtual reality (VR). Falls are common in those with Parkinson's, and the fear of falling can make their balance and movement even worse. This study aims to create a new way to assess this fear more objectively by observing how participants move in both real and virtual environments. By using VR, researchers hope to see how the fear of falling affects different aspects of movement, like balance and muscle response.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 40 years old and have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. They should be able to walk independently and experience a significant fear of falling. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires and movement tasks in VR, allowing researchers to gather data on their balance and stability. The findings could help improve how fear of falling is assessed and managed in individuals with Parkinson's, ultimately leading to better support and care for those affected.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • People ≥ 40 years old.
• • Participants diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a neurologist, regardless the type.
• • Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages I to III.
• • Able to follow instructions and understand questions.
• • Able to walk independently and without walking aids.
• • People who experience excessive fear of falling and fear of movement.
• • Able to communicate verbally.
• • Stable use of Parkinson's Disease or other comorbidities medications.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Impaired vision and hearing.
• • Unstable medical condition.
• • Co-existing neurological or orthopedic conditions that may limit mobility and affect participation.
• • Dizziness, vertigo, headache, and motion-sickness.
• • Cognition impairments.
• • Pregnancy.