Efficacy of Sensory Motor Rhythm Neurofeedback Training and Brainobics in patients with Parkinsons Disease

This research investigates the efficacy of Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) Neurofeedback Training with and without Brainobics in patients with Parkinson’s Disease through a randomized clinical trial. It aims to enhance motor, cognitive, balance, and coordination functions by targeting neuroplasticity using non-invasive interventions. The study compares outcomes across neurofeedback, combined brainobics, and conventional physiotherapy groups, addressing limitations of pharmacological treatments and exploring innovative rehabilitation strategies to improve quality of life. This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) Neurofeedback Training with and without Brainobics in patients with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs both motor and cognitive functions. While pharmacological therapies such as levodopa provide symptomatic relief, they are associated with long-term side effects and do not modify disease progression, highlighting the need for innovative non-pharmacological strategies. SMR Neurofeedback, which uses EEG-based real-time feedback at C3 and C4 electrode placements to train patients in maintaining sensorimotor rhythm activity, has shown promise in improving motor control and cognition. Brainobics, a structured program combining dual-task exercises, obstacle navigation, cognitive-motor games, Quadrato Motor Training, aerobic-cognitive integration, and fine motor/upper limb dexterity tasks, is designed to enhance neuroplasticity, balance, coordination, and cognitive flexibility. In this study, 51 subjects with clinically diagnosed Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages I–III) will be randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1 will receive SMR Neurofeedback training along with conventional physiotherapy (3 sessions/week, 60 minutes each, for 8 weeks), Group 2 will receive a combined protocol of SMR Neurofeedback and Brainobics along with conventional physiotherapy on alternate days for 8 weeks, and Group 3 will undergo conventional physiotherapy management alone for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be measured using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Berg Balance Scale, Box and Block Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The findings are expected to generate evidence-based insights on the individual and synergistic effects of SMR Neurofeedback and Brainobics, potentially offering safe, cost-effective, and scalable rehabilitation options to improve motor and cognitive functions, quality of life, and functional independence in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.