Computer-based Cognitive Training for Parkinson Disease

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Parkinson Disease; Gait
• Interventions: Other: Computerized cognitive training

• Registration Number: NCT01121627
• Lead Sponsor: Clalit Health Services

Brief Summary

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative, progressive illness. It is a multi-system disease that influences not only the motor but also the cognitive and autonomic systems. The main cognitive impairment in individuals with PD is found in executive function (EF). EF is defined as a set of cognitive skills necessary for planning, monitoring and executing sequences of complex activities.

The primary study hypothesis is that computer-based training aimed at improving executive function will have a beneficial effect on gait functions.

Detailed Description

Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative, progressive illness. It is a multi-system disease that influences not only the motor but also the cognitive and autonomic systems. The main cognitive impairment in individuals with PD is found in executive function (EF). EF is defined as a set of cognitive skills necessary for planning, monitoring and executing sequences of complex activities. Previous studies have revealed some relation between cognitive states and physical functions in healthy adults. Few studies have examined the effect of computer-based cognitive training on various populations. These studies showed a positive emotional-cognitive effect in those populations. This type of intervention plan was also applied to PD patients. However, there are no reports on the effect of intentional cognitive training on gait functions. The purpose of the study is to assess whether cognitive training, designed to improve EF ability, can also improve gait function in PD patients.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2010-05-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-05-10
• Study First Posted: 2010-05-12
• Study Start: 2010-07
• Primary Completion: 2012-04
• Study Completion: 2012-04
• Status Verified: 2015-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-08-21
• Last Update Posted: 2015-08-24

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

1. Idiopathic PD.
2. Aged 50-80, living in north region of Israel.
3. Receive regular medications for PD.
4. Not suffering from irregular cognitive disturbance or MMSE<25.
5. Measured 1-3 on the Hoehn & Yahr scale.
6. Have access to a computer and the ability to operate it.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Brain operation, including DBS transplant.
2. History of orthopedic problems that can impair gait (hip/knee fractures and back problems).
3. Orthopedic operation on lower limbs performed no later than six months prior to the beginning of the study.
4. Unbalanced general health: uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure, etc.
5. Inability to walk independently.
6. Immunodeficiency diseases, active cancer, ischemic diseases.
7. Vision impairment, partial/full blindness.
8. Having participated in similar research or cognitive assessment during the previous year.
9. Have received cognitive or gait training under physical therapy or other programs.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Computerized cognitive training	Computerized cognitive training	A 12 week computerized cognitive training

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Gait Function	18 weeks	At enrollment eligible individuals will undergo a thorough baseline assessment using a predefined set of tests and performance measurements. Within a week after enrollment each individual will receive guided training on the use of the intervention tool, the Attengo™ software program. Thereafter they will train at their homes, at least three times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Follow up assessments will be performed within a week of the end of the training period and 4 weeks thereafter to check for long-term cognitive and motor changes.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Executive function	18 weeks	At enrollment eligible individuals will undergo a thorough baseline assessment using a predefined set of tests and performance measurements. Within a week after enrollment each individual will receive guided training on the use of the intervention tool, the Attengo™ software program. Thereafter they will train at their homes, at least three times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Follow up assessments will be performed within a week of the end of the training period and 4 weeks thereafter to check for long-term cognitive and motor changes.
Quality of life.	18 weeks	At enrollment eligible individuals will undergo a thorough baseline assessment using a predefined set of tests and performance measurements. Within a week after enrollment each individual will receive guided training on the use of the intervention tool, the Attengo™ software program. Thereafter they will train at their homes, at least three times a week, for a period of 12 weeks. Follow up assessments will be performed within a week of the end of the training period and 4 weeks thereafter to check for long-run cognitive and motor changes.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District; 🇮🇱 Haifa, Israel