A treadmill training program in a gamified virtual reality environment combined with transcranial direct current stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

by Pere Bosch-Barceló, Carolina Climent-Sanz, Oriol Martínez-Navarro, Maria Masbernat-Almenara, Anni Pakarinen, Pradip K. Ghosh, Helena Fernández-Lago

Background

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects movement and cognition, and physiotherapy, particularly treadmill gait training, has potential in addressing movement dysfunctions in PD. However, treadmill training falls short in addressing cognitive aspects and adherence. Virtual reality (VR) and gamification can enhance motor and cognitive retraining and improve adherence. People with Parkinson’s Disease (PWPD) have decreased motor skill learning efficiency, but tDCS can improve motor and cognitive learning.

Methods

78 participants with PD will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: (1) treadmill + Gamified Virtual Reality Environment (GVRE) + tDCS training group; (2) treadmill + GVRE training group or (3) treadmill training group. Participants will follow a 6-week, 12-session treadmill gait training plan, gradually increasing session duration from 20 to 45 minutes. Participants in (1) and (2) will undergo a GVRE training protocol, with (1) also receiving tDCS for the first 20 minutes of each session. Assessments will occur at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 6-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure will be gait speed during single and dual-task performance. Secondary measures will include additional gait parameters, executive tests for cognitive performance, and clinical outcomes for disease stage, cognitive status, and physical condition.

Discussion

This randomized clinical trial presents an innovative neurorehabilitation protocol that aims to improve gait and cognition in PWPD. The study also examines how tDCS can enhance motor and cognitive training. Results could contribute to enhancing the motor and cognitive state of PWPD through a GVRE and tDCS-based neurorehabilitation protocol.

Trial registration

NCT05243394. 28/02/2024 –v3.2