Dual-task Cognitive-motor Telerehabilitation in Persons With PD-MCI
This study is testing a new home-based program for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who also have mild memory problems, known as PD-MCI. The program uses 'telerehabilitation,' which means doing therapies remotely, often using technology. Participants will cycle three times a week for 30 minutes. One group will also do digital brain training exercises on a tablet while cycling, which aims to improve attention, memory, and problem-solving. The main goal is to see if this combined training can help people manage their daily activities better and potentially slow down further memory decline, especially for those at higher risk of developing more serious memory issues.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a new way to help people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are also starting to have mild thinking and memory problems. This specific type of memory issue is called PD-MCI. It's really important to find ways to help people in this situation because these memory changes can sometimes get worse and make daily tasks harder.
Researchers are using something called 'telerehabilitation,' which means doing therapy from your own home, often with the help of technology like a computer or tablet. This study combines physical exercise, like cycling, with brain training exercises. The idea is that doing both at the same time, known as 'dual-task' training, might be more effective than just one or the other. They want to see if this combined approach can help people keep up with their daily activities and maintain their memory and thinking skills for longer.
The study aims to understand if these home-based exercises can prevent or slow down the progression of memory problems in people with PD-MCI, especially those who are more likely to develop more significant memory issues. It's a way to try and keep people independent and improve their quality of life.
Key takeaways
- Tests a home-based program for Parkinson's with mild memory problems.
- Combines cycling with brain training using a tablet.
- Aims to improve daily activities and thinking skills.
- The study lasts for one year with several check-ups.
- Participation involves 30 minutes of exercise, 3 times a week, from home.
- It's a randomized study, so you might get the brain training or just cycling.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers who have Parkinson's disease, specifically a type that also involves mild memory problems (PD-MCI). You need to be between 51 and 80 years old, have had your Parkinson's diagnosis for at least a year, and speak German as your first language. It's important that you also have someone living with you who can tell the researchers about your daily activities.
To join, you'll need to have a good internet connection at home, and your eyesight and hearing should be good enough for you to take part in the training. You also need to be able to understand instructions and give your written permission to join. Some medical conditions, like severe heart or lung problems, other brain diseases, or a history of strong depression, would mean you couldn't take part. They also can't include people who are already taking medicines specifically for memory problems or those who have had deep brain stimulation surgery.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do I have Parkinson's disease and mild memory problems?
- Am I between 51 and 80 years old?
- Do I speak German as my first language?
- Do I have a close family member or friend living with me who can share information about my daily life?
- Do I have a reliable internet (Wi-Fi) connection at home?
- Do I have any severe heart, lung, or other serious health problems?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, it will last for a year. You'll have check-ups at the beginning, after the main training period, and then again after 6 and 12 months. You'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will cycle safely in a comfortable chair for 30 minutes, three times a week. One group will also do brain training exercises on a tablet while cycling. These brain exercises will adjust to how you're performing, and you'll be able to access them from home. Before starting, and at different points during the year, you'll have various assessments to see how you're doing, including tests of your physical and thinking abilities. An informational person living with you will also provide information about your daily activities.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University hospital TübingenVerified postcodeTübingen, Germany
Common questions
What is 'telerehabilitation'?
It's therapy or treatment delivered remotely, like from your home, often using technology such as computers or tablets.
What does 'dual-task training' mean?
It means doing a physical activity, like cycling, at the same time as a brain-training activity, like solving puzzles on a tablet.
Will I have to travel for this study?
The main training takes place at home, using equipment provided or accessed remotely. You will have assessments at the start and at different points over the year.
What kind of memory problems will the study look at?
It focuses on 'mild cognitive impairment' (MCI) in people with Parkinson's, which means mild changes in thinking or memory that are not severe enough to affect daily life significantly, but can be an early sign of more serious issues.
How long will the training last?
The active training part involves cycling and potentially brain exercises three times a week for 30 minutes each session. The study will follow you up for a total of 12 months.
How to find out more
Inga Liepelt-Scarfone, Prof. Dr.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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