Effect of Virtual Reality on Freezing Phenomenon, Balance, Functional Mobility, Participation in Parkinson's Patients

Launched by ANKARA YILDIRIM BEYAZIT UNIVERSITY · Apr 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how virtual reality (VR) can help people with Parkinson's disease, particularly those who experience freezing of gait, which can make them feel unsteady and anxious about falling. The study will involve individuals over 50 years old who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's by a specialist. Participants will be assessed for their balance, mobility, and other factors, and then they will be randomly placed into two groups: one will receive standard treatment, while the other will get additional VR treatment for eight weeks, four times a week. The goal is to see if using VR, especially scenarios that mimic crowded environments, can better help improve their walking and overall participation in daily activities.

To take part in this study, candidates must be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and be in the early stages of the condition. They should be able to walk independently and have a good understanding of their surroundings. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but once it starts, those who qualify can expect to engage in both traditional and VR exercises, with evaluations before, right after, and three months after the treatment period to track any improvements. This innovative approach could provide valuable insights into how to better support individuals with Parkinson's who struggle in busy or crowded situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a qualified neurologist (diagnosed with idiopathic PD according to UK Brain Bank criteria
• • Being between 1-2.5 stages according to the Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale
• • Volunteering to participate in the study
• • 50 years of age or older
• • Standardized Mini Mental Test score greater than 24
• • Patients experiencing an on-off period are in the "on" period
• • Not using deep brain stimulation or drug pump
• • Ability to walk independently on level ground (Functional Ambulation 3 and above according to classification)
• • Having a score of (≥2) on item 3 of the freezing while walking scale
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Being any neurological or psychiatric disease other than Parkinson's disease
• • Cardiovascular, vestibular or musculoskeletal disease
• • Dyskinetic movements
• • Having vision problems that cannot be corrected with glasses or lenses
• • Hearing problems that cannot be corrected with a hearing aid
• • Using an assistive device