We investigate the impact of a 4-week virtual reality-based upper limb training in Parkinson's disease. The benefits on dexterity of this training program will be evaluated. For these purposes, a randomised, two arm, single assessor blind, parallel design with a monocentric, study setup will be performed.
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from significantly decreased coordination and have difficulties with precise hand/finger movements during the performance of both basic activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, grooming as well as higher ADL, such as cooking, shopping and regular medication intake. These difficulties further add to the burden of the disease, leading to reduced quality of life (QoL). A relatively new, but rapidly growing aspect of training in PD neurorehabilitation offers virtual reality (VR). We explore the effects of a VR-based upper limb hand training compared to a VR control training, which is less specific for dexterity. Moreover, we examine the effetcs of the trainings on upper limb related ADL, and therefore the impact on QoL in patients with PD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
20
The PD patients randomized in the experimental group will receive virtual reality upper limb hand training.
The PD patients randomized in the control group will receive virtual reality control training.
Luzerner Kantonsspital
Lucerne, Switzerland
RECRUITINGfine finger movements
Coin rotation task (CRT): The CRT measures fine coordinated finger movements and is a suitable and valid dexterity test in patients with PD. The seconds for 20 halfturns will be measured.
Time frame: 4 weeks
hand dexterity
Nine Hole Peg test (9-HPT): The 9-HPT is a standardized, well established, and reliable measure of hand dexterity in patients with PD. seconds will be measured.
Time frame: 4 weeks
grip strenght
The handheld JAMAR dynamometer measures the grip strength. kg will be measured.
Time frame: 4 weeks
motor function
MDS-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III): It evaluates motor aspects of Parkinson's disease
Time frame: 4 weeks
self-reported dexterity related problems in daily living
Dexterity Questionnaire 24 (DextQ-24): This questionnaire is a standardized patient self-rated outcome measure (PROM) for evaluating dexterity related ADL in PD. score range 24-96, higher scores mean more dexterity problems.
Time frame: 4 weeks
self-reported problems in quality of life
Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39): This questionnaire is a standardized patient self-rated outcome measure (PROM) for evaluating QOL in PD. range 0-156, higher values mean more problems.
Time frame: 4 weeks
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