Can virtual reality boost brain power in movement disorders?
NCT ID NCT05769972
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether using immersive virtual reality or computer-based brain training could improve thinking and memory in people with Parkinson's or Huntington's disease who have mild cognitive problems. Sixty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: virtual reality exercises, computer-based cognitive stimulation, or music therapy. The goal was to see if the high-tech approaches could delay worsening of cognitive function better than music therapy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Immersive virtual reality device and computer-based cognitive stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to slow down memory and thinking decline in people with Parkinson's or Huntington's disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 64 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be small or no better than music therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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64 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2021
- Finished
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Dec 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient capable of understanding, signing and dating the written informed consent at baseline visit prior to randomization. * Patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (Movement Disorder Society PD Criteria) or Huntington's disease. * Patient with Hoehn and Yahr stage I-III for PD, and Shoulson and Fahn stage I-II for HD. * Patient with a score on the Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) \>83, who present subjective memory complaints will be included in "group I: subjective memory complaints". * Patient with a score on the Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) between 64 and 83, both inclusive, will be included in "group II: mild cognitive impairment". * Patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease with stable dopaminergic treatment in the last 4 weeks. * Patient capable and willing to comply with study visits as detailed in the protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Illiterate patients. * Patients with severe vision or hearing impairment. * History of deep brain stimulation surgery. * Patients diagnosed with severe dementia (possible or probable) associated with Parkinson's disease, according to the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Dementia Associated with PD with a score of \>2 on the CRD or with Huntington's disease. * Patients with active psychosis in the form of incapacitating delusional ideation. * Patients who were under experimental treatment in the 2 months prior to the selection period. * Patients with any of the following conditions: * Life expectancy of less than 6 months. * Any severe or uncontrolled medical condition. * Patients with a history of poor treatment compliance or drug/alcohol abuse that may interfere with the patient's ability to comply with the study protocol or give informed consent. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Contraindications for MRI\*. * Except for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), since MRI is optional for these patients. Therefore, if there are contraindications for MRI, they can still participate without undergoing MRI.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Barcelona, 08025, Spain
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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