What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Parkinson's Disease that involve physical exercise, such as the Virtual Reality Physical Program and Rock Steady Boxing Program, generally have minimal side effects. However, patients may experience muscle soreness, fatigue, and a risk of falls or injuries if exercises are not performed correctly. Virtual reality interventions may cause motion sickness, dizziness, or eye strain in some individuals. Overall, these exercise-based treatments are considered safe and beneficial for improving motor function, balance, and quality of life in Parkinson's patients.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

While the FDA has approved various pharmacologic treatments for Parkinson's Disease, such as levodopa, dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole), and MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline), non-pharmacologic treatments like physical exercise programs have also shown promise. Programs like the Virtual Reality Physical Program and Rock Steady Boxing Program focus on improving motor function, balance, and physical fitness through immersive environments and non-contact boxing exercises. These types of interventions are supported by evidence suggesting that physical therapy, including tai chi, yoga, and high-intensity resistance training, can significantly benefit patients with Parkinson's Disease by enhancing mobility, reducing falls, and improving quality of life.

What other types of research exist?

<ol> <li>Balance-based exergaming using the Kinect sensor: This intervention has shown significant improvements in postural stability and directional control compared to conventional balance training.</li> </ol> It leverages interactive gaming to engage patients in balance exercises. 2. Augmented visual feedback during balance training: This method uses interactive balance games with explicit visual feedback to improve standing balance, gait, and overall health status. It has been found feasible and effective in clinical trials. 3. Adaptive devices for tremor management: Noninvasive neuromodulation and biomechanical loading devices have shown promise in reducing tremor severity and improving motor tasks. These devices can be used at home and provide immediate benefits during and after use.

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Virtual Reality vs. Boxing Program for Parkinson's Disease

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Amber Sousa, PhD

Research Sponsored by New York Institute of Technology

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up through study completion, an average of one year

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial compares a virtual reality exercise program to an in-person boxing program for people with Parkinson's disease. It aims to see if the VR exercises can be as effective as traditional boxing exercises in improving movement and thinking skills. Virtual reality (VR) balance training has been shown to significantly improve balance in patients with Parkinson's disease according to multiple studies.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults over 18 with Parkinson's Disease who already take part in Rock Steady Boxing weekly. They should be willing to participate 2-3 days per week. People with movement-induced vertigo or other cognitive/movement disorders cannot join.

What is being tested?

The study aims to compare a virtual reality exercise program called 'Virtual Reality Pixel Plucker' against an existing in-person boxing program known as 'Rock Steady Boxing' to see which is more effective for people with Parkinson's.

What are the potential side effects?

While the trial doesn't involve medication, participants may experience dizziness or discomfort from using virtual reality equipment, especially if they are prone to motion sickness.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ through study completion, an average of one year

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~through study completion, an average of one year

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and through study completion, an average of one year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Stroop Test, Inquisit Millisecond

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Virtual Reality Pixel PluckerExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

30 minutes of VR engagement

Group II: BoxingActive Control1 Intervention

Rock Steady Boxing

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD) include pharmacologic therapies like levodopa, which replenishes dopamine levels in the brain, and non-pharmacologic therapies such as physical exercise programs. The Virtual Reality Physical Program engages patients in immersive virtual environments, which can enhance motor function and engagement by providing stimulating and varied exercises. Rock Steady Boxing uses non-contact boxing exercises to improve balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness. These exercise-based treatments are crucial for PD patients as they help maintain mobility, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls, thereby enhancing the quality of life and potentially slowing disease progression.

Rehabilitation interventions for improving balance in Parkinson's disease: a narrative review.Biomechanical measures of balance after balance-based exergaming training dedicated for patients with Parkinson's disease.Rehabilitation training based on virtual reality for patients with Parkinson's disease in improving balance, quality of life, activities of daily living, and depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis.