RecruitingInterventional

Augmented reality (Reality DTx®) compared to routine physiotherapy for patients with Parkinson's

Around 145,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's, and many struggle with balance and walking, leading to falls. This study explores if a new technology called Reality DTx® – augmented reality glasses that guide exercises at home – can offer a better solution than standard physiotherapy. Currently, getting to clinics can be hard, appointments might not fit medication schedules, and motivation at home can drop without a physiotherapist. We want to see if these glasses can make physiotherapy more convenient, challenging, and effective for people with Parkinson's. If you're over 18, have Parkinson's with balance or walking issues, you might be able to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

216

Start

30 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Parkinson's disease

What is this study about?

Many people in the UK live with Parkinson's disease, and as the condition progresses, everyday tasks like walking and maintaining balance can become difficult. This often increases the risk of falling, which can really impact someone's independence and quality of life, as well as being worrying for families. Physiotherapy is a very important part of managing Parkinson's, as it can help improve movement and balance, but it works best when it's tailored to your specific needs and you can do it consistently in a comfortable place like your own home.

However, we know that getting to physiotherapy appointments can be challenging. Things like long waiting lists, travel difficulties, and appointments not fitting neatly with medication times can make it hard to get the care you need. It can also be tough to stay motivated to do exercises at home without a physiotherapist right there with you. This study, called RESTART-PD, wants to find a better way.

We're trying out a new kind of technology called Reality DTx®, which uses special augmented reality glasses. These glasses can guide you through exercises in your own home. The main goal of this study is to see if using these high-tech glasses for your physiotherapy is more helpful for people with Parkinson's than the usual physiotherapy offered. We hope this research will lead to better ways to support people with Parkinson's in the future.

Key takeaways

This study compares new augmented reality glasses for exercises with standard physiotherapy for Parkinson's.
It's for people with Parkinson's over 18 who have balance or walking difficulties.
Participation involves either using the glasses or receiving usual care for six weeks, plus follow-up appointments.
The study aims to make physiotherapy easier and more effective, especially at home.
Potential benefits include improving future care for Parkinson's; risks are generally low but include potential motion sickness from the glasses.
You can stop taking part at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are 18 years old or older and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. A key part of joining is that you experience some difficulty with your balance or walking, as this is what the new technology aims to help with.

You also need to be able to walk by yourself, even if you use a walking aid like a stick, but not if you need someone else to help you walk. Your Parkinson's medication should have been stable, meaning no changes, for the last four weeks. Crucially, you need to be able to understand what the study involves and be happy to give your permission to take part.

Patients would not be able to join if they have other serious health problems that greatly affect their walking, or if they have thinking or communication difficulties that would make it hard to follow the study instructions.

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.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Do you have Parkinson's disease?
Do you sometimes struggle with your balance or walking?
Can you walk on your own, even if you use a walking aid?
Have you been on a stable dose of your Parkinson's medication for the last four weeks?
Are you able to understand and agree to the study requirements?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the RESTART-PD study and are found to be eligible, you will be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. You'll either receive physiotherapy using the special augmented reality glasses or you'll receive the usual physiotherapy offered at your hospital. Whichever group you're in, the main treatment period will last for six weeks.

If you're in the augmented reality group, you'll use the provided glasses for six weeks, following instructions from your physiotherapist. If you're in the usual physiotherapy group, you'll receive your standard care for six weeks. After this main six-week period, everyone in the study will have two follow-up appointments: one at 8 weeks and another at 20 weeks after your very first appointment. During these follow-up visits, a physiotherapist will do some assessments, and you'll complete a short questionnaire about your health and how you feel. The total duration of your involvement, from start to final follow-up, will be about 20 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn how to better support people with Parkinson's in the future, which is a great benefit for the wider community. Physiotherapy itself is known to help physical health and improve quality of life, and you would receive physiotherapy whether you join the study or not. Importantly, joining this study should not harm or limit the care you usually receive. However, some people might feel a bit dizzy or sick (motion sickness) while wearing the augmented reality glasses. There's also a small chance the device could briefly cause hallucinations or seizures, though this is rare. Also, if the glasses make you more active at home, there's a slight chance this increased movement could lead to a fall. You can stop participating in the study at any time if you wish.

Locations (4)

St James's University Hospital
Approximate
Leeds, United Kingdom
Royal Derby Hospital
Approximate
Derby, United Kingdom
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Stafford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with movement, including shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and walking.

What are augmented reality glasses?

Augmented reality glasses are a type of eyewear that can overlay computer-generated images or instructions onto your view of the real world, in this case, to guide you through physiotherapy exercises.

Will I still get my usual physiotherapy if I join?

Yes, regardless of which group you are in, you will receive physiotherapy. One group gets it using augmented reality glasses; the other gets standard physiotherapy.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your active participation, including treatment and follow-up, will last for about 20 weeks in total.

Who is running this study?

The University of Leeds is overseeing the research, and the daily running of the study is managed by the York Trials Unit at the University of York.

How to find out more

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ytu-restartpd@york.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.