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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06807411

Effectiveness of Video-Based Upper Extremity Exercise Program in Parkinson's Disease

Over the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has been widely recognized as a therapeutic tool that enables neurological patients to interact with simulated environments through multiple sensory channels. Various sensors can be used in VR systems, with Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Kinect being the most popular. Video game-based training, grounded in VR technology, has emerged as a valid, cost-effective, and easily integrated adjunct to conventional therapy in neurorehabilitation. Compared to traditional exercise methods, video game training offers advantages by allowing users to perform physical activities in a safe and controlled environment. However, some studies have reported limited effects, emphasizing the need for more high-quality research to establish the effectiveness of interactive video games in neurological rehabilitation.

This study aims to investigate the effects of a video-based game exercise program targeting the upper extremity in individuals with Parkinson's disease on joint range of motion, proprioception, functionality, postural instability due to kyphotic posture, and quality of life.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Behavior Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Exercise Exergame Motor Activity Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies Therapy

Age range

50 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul, Beykoz, 34810, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Over the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has been widely recognized as a therapeutic tool that enables neurological patients to interact with simulated environments through multiple sensory channels. Various sensors, such as Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Kinect, are commonly used in VR systems. Video game-based training has emerged as a valid, cost-effective, and easily integrated adjunct to conventional therapy in neurorehabilitation, offering a safe and controlled environment for physical activity. However, some studies have reported limited effects, highlighting the need for further high-quality research to establish its effectiveness in neurological rehabilitation.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a video-based game exercise program targeting the upper extremity in individuals with Parkinson's disease on joint range of motion (ROM), proprioception, functionality, postural instability due to kyphotic posture, and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a conventional exercise group or a video-based game exercise group. All participants will receive conventional therapy for 8 weeks, 3 days per week, with 30-minute sessions (24 sessions in total). The video-based game exercise group will undergo the same conventional therapy, with an additional video game-based exercise program using the Becure Extremity ROM device under physiotherapist supervision. The program will include KinectPong, KinectBalloon, ArmRotate, and Uball games. Balance, joint position sense, ROM, functionality, and quality of life parameters will be assessed before and after treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals aged 50-80 with idiopathic Parkinson's disease
  • Hoehn and Yahr Scale Stage I to III
  • Presence of kyphotic posture

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of any other neurological condition
  • Any pathology affecting the movement system in addition to Parkinson's disease
  • Visual abnormalities
  • Cardiovascular conditions that may interfere with treatment
  • Dyskinesia
  • History of surgery for Parkinson's disease
  • Inability to cooperate at a level required to play the games

Treatment and study plan

Conventional Exercise

Other

Participants in the conventional exercise group will receive a total of 24 sessions of conventional therapy over 8 weeks (3 days per week, 30-minute sessions).

Video game based exercise

Other

The video-based game exercise group will undergo the same conventional therapy, with an additional video game-based exercise program using the Becure Extremity ROM device under physiotherapist supervision. The program will include KinectPong, KinectBalloon, ArmRotate, and Uball games. Balance, joint position sense, ROM, functionality, and quality of life parameters will be assessed before and after treatment.

Primary outcomes

  1. Balance

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    The Becure Balance System will be used to assess participants' postural stability. During this measurement, the participant will be asked to place both feet on the Balance Board and maintain balance for 15 seconds. Throughout this period, the participant's sway movements will be recorded.

  2. Joint position sense

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    The Becure Extremity ROM device will be used to assess proprioception in participants at 30° and 60° shoulder flexion and abduction positions. Participants will first be asked to raise their shoulder to a specified angle, then replicate the same angle with their eyes closed. The angle values recorded with eyes open and closed will be compared, and the difference between the shoulder angles will be calculated.

  3. Range of motion

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    joint range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using the Becure Extremity ROM system. This system utilizes built-in cameras and sensors to detect reference points during extremity movements, allowing for an objective measurement of joint ROM. In the Becure Extremity ROM assessment, the participant will stand in front of the camera and perform the required movement. Shoulder joint ROM, including flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation, will be measured in degrees using this system.

  4. Functionality

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Participants' upper extremity functionality will be assessed using the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) Questionnaire. DASH is designed to measure physical disability and symptoms in individuals with upper extremity disorders (hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder). It is a 30-item scale that evaluates difficulties in performing various physical activities requiring upper extremity function.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Participants' quality of life will be assessed using the **Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)**. The **PDQ-39** is a self-administered tool that demonstrates optimal psychometric properties and reflects the full spectrum of quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The questionnaire consists of **39 items**.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effectiveness of a Video-Based Exercise Program Targeting Upper Extremity Function in Individuals With Parkinson

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 4, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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