Evaluating a targeted cognitive training program for the treatment of Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease; Neurological - Parkinson's disease

• Registration Number: ACTRN12613000359730
• Lead Sponsor: Professor Simon JG Lewis

Brief Summary

This study aimed to trial a program of brain training to improve the symptom of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. Freezing of gait is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, which leaves a patient unable to walk forward, and becoming 'stuck' on the spot. This can lead to falls and loss of independence. Unfortunately, the symptom is not well treated. Recent research suggests freezing is linked to problems with attention. Our trial therefore aimed to improve attention and other relevant processes in the brain by using computer exercises to try and reduce the severity of freezing of gait. We recruited participants who completed a 7 week program, including training twice a week. One group completed specific exercises aimed at improving attention and freezing, while another 'control group' completed more general exercises on a computer. The results showed that individuals in the group completing specific computer exercises had a reduced severity of freezing at the end of the trial, as measured by different walking exercises. The results are preliminary due to a small sample size, but are suggestive of a potentially beneficial treatment for freezing.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2013-04-05
• Study Completion: 2015-10-07
• Last Update Posted: 13 January 2020

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 65

Inclusion Criteria

This study will recruit 100 PD patients with a clinical history of FOG. We aim to recruit participants based on information obtained from medical assessments (including subjective report of symptoms and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 or greater) as well as self-report measures of freezing (e.g. a positive score on question 3 of the FOG Questionnaire) completed at the PD Research Clinic located at the Brain and Mind Centre.

Exclusion Criteria

MMSE of less than 24

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Blinded assessment of time spent frozen during Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test. This will be assessed on two occasions. Firstly, while taking their usual PD medication regime, and secondly on a morning where they have not taken their PD medication.[Assessed within 3 weeks of final training session and compared with assessment within 3 weeks prior to the first training session]