Cognitive-Based Balance Rehabilitation in Parkinson's Disease: Virtual Reality vs. Dual Task

Effects of Cognitive-Based Balance Rehabilitation on Balance, Gait and Cognitive Functions in Parkinson's Disease Patients: Comparison of Virtual Reality and Dual Task

This prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of cognitive-based balance rehabilitation delivered via immersive Virtual Reality (VR) versus traditional Dual-Task Training (DTT) on balance, gait, cognitive functions, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Postural instability and cognitive decline are hallmark features of progressive PD that significantly elevate fall risks and compromise daily independence, yet conventional pharmacological therapies offer limited effectiveness in restoring complex postural control. Given that motor and cognitive processes are intrinsically linked, this study addresses a critical gap in neurorehabilitation by investigating two contemporary modalities designed to challenge these systems simultaneously. A total of 34 participants diagnosed with PD (aged 40-80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III) will be randomly allocated to either the Dual-Task Group (DTG), receiving structured therapeutic exercises integrated with sequential cognitive tasks, or the Virtual Reality Group (VRG), engaging in an immersive balance program utilizing the Oculus Quest 2® headset with the FIT-XR application. Both groups will undergo an identical intervention protocol consisting of 45-minute supervised sessions, conducted twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks during their pharmacological "on" phase. Standardized assessments will be performed by a blinded clinician at baseline and post-intervention (Week 8). The primary outcome measures will be dynamic balance and gait assessed through the Mini-Balance Evaluations Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) alongside global cognitive performance measured via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Secondary outcomes will encompass objective posturographic indices using the Biodex Balance System, motor severity via the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), freezing of gait, health-related quality of life, global perceived improvement, and potential cyber-sickness symptoms monitored through the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) to comprehensively determine the safety and comparative therapeutic value of these interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease by a neurologist.
• Hoehn & Yahr Stage I-III.
• Aged between 40-80 years.
• Literate and capable of performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment≥21
• Stable pharmacological treatment.
• Physician's approval for exercise participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently participating in another exercise or drug trial.
• Presence of any additional neurological disorders.
• Significant musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy or severe orthostatic hypotension.
• Engaged in regular moderate-intensity exercise more than once a week in the last 6 months.