Exercise meets VR: a new hope for Parkinson's symptoms?

NCT ID NCT05385497

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small study tested whether combining aerobic exercise with virtual reality games could improve thinking, walking, and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. Ten participants used a recumbent stepper while playing VR games. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and might boost brain plasticity. Results are preliminary and need larger studies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Aerobic exercise and virtual reality
What this could lead to: If this approach works, it could point toward a non-drug way to improve movement and thinking in Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early feasibility study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects need much larger trials to confirm.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PARKINSON'S DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

UT Health San Antonio- Dept. of Physical Therapy

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.