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

Description

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).

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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).

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

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

Condition
Parkinson Disease
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

San Antonio

UT Health San Antonio- Dept. of Physical Therapy, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78229

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Diagnosis of idiopathic PD (ages 18 -85) in Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 - 3.
  • 2. Subjects need to demonstrate a score of equal to or greater than 23 on the Mini Mental State Examination.
  • 3. Subjects who have a score of ≤21.5 on the Mini Balance Evaluations Systems Test (miniBESTest).
  • 1. Subjects with a history of other neurological diseases (i.e., stroke, multiple sclerosis).
  • 2. Subjects with a history of severe cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, uncontrolled diabetes, severe osteoporosis, severe arthritis affecting their lower extremity joints.
  • 3. Subjects with a history of PD-specific surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation etc.
  • 4. Subjects with a history of head injury.
  • 5. Subjects with a history of seizures or epilepsy.
  • 6. Subjects who are currently pregnant.
  • 7. Individuals who use of medications that could alter corticomotor excitability or increase risk of seizure.
  • 8. Individuals with skull abnormalities, fractures or unexplained, recurring headaches.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,

Anjali Sivaramakrishnan, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Study Record Dates

2025-04-30