Self-controlled Practice on Motor Learning and Motivation in Parkinson's Disease

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jun 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their movement skills and motivation during rehabilitation. People with Parkinson’s often find it hard to learn new movements and may feel less motivated, which can make therapy less effective and affect their daily life. This study will test whether letting patients choose certain parts of their practice—like the stories they hear during exercises or the type of exercise they do—can make learning easier and keep them more motivated. The researchers will also look at how these choices might change brain activity related to movement.

To join the study, participants need to be over 20 years old, have Parkinson’s disease, be able to follow instructions, and have no recent injuries or surgeries on their arms. People with other neurological problems, severe tremors, or certain medical devices like pacemakers cannot take part. Those who join will visit the lab three times over one week to practice a movement task using a joystick, receive feedback, and complete tests to see how well they learn and stay motivated. Some participants will get to make choices about their practice, while others will follow a set routine. This study aims to find better ways to involve patients in their own treatment, which could improve therapy results and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age above 20-year-old
• • able to follow instructions and the rules of the motor task
• • do not have surgery or injury in their upper extremities in the past 6 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • neurological disorders other than PD
• • symptoms of severe tremor in upper extremities
• • symptoms of anxiety and depression
• • deep brain stimulator or pacemaker implanted in the body
• • history of seizure or epilepsy
• • unstable medical conditions
• • migraines or tinnitus uncontrolled by medication
• • pregnant