---
title: Improve balance using neurofeedback exergaming
nct_id: NCT05986643
phase: NA
status: RECRUITING
sponsor: University of Leicester
study_type: INTERVENTIONAL
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT05986643"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05986643"
last_fetched: "2026-05-10T14:04:21.716Z"
source: "Parkinson's Pathways (curated)"
---
# Improve balance using neurofeedback exergaming

**Goal (in five words):** Improve balance using neurofeedback exergaming

**Official Title:** Using Biofeedback During Exergaming to Attenuate Alpha Oscillations to Improve Postural Control in People Living With Parkinson's.

**Trial ID:** [NCT05986643](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05986643)

## Key Facts

- **Phase:** NA
- **Status:** RECRUITING
- **Study Type:** INTERVENTIONAL
- **Sponsor:** University of Leicester
- **Target Enrollment:** 100 participants
- **Start Date:** 2023-08-04
- **Completion Date:** 2026-12
- **Conditions:** Parkinson Disease
- **Interventions:** Exergame+Neurofeedback, Exergame [alone]
- **Intervention Types:** BEHAVIORAL

## Summary For Families

The goal is to improve postural control and reduce falls and freezing of gait, which are common and disabling problems in Parkinson's. The approach pairs balance-focused exergaming with real-time neurofeedback so people can see and learn to reduce alpha brain wave oscillations linked to attention and balance, with the hope that lowering those oscillations during movement will strengthen automatic postural responses. The study is looking for adults with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's who can stand and walk unaided (Hoehn and Yahr ≤4), who exercise less than recommended, have had at least one fall and one freezing episode in the past year, and are either on a stable dose of dopaminergic medication or untreated and not expected to start meds in the next three months; people with deep brain stimulators or other head metal implants, dementia, severe mobility limits, major medical issues that make exercise unsafe, or who need a walking aid are excluded.

## Eligibility

- **Sex:** ALL

### Full Criteria

```
Inclusion Criteria:

People with Parkinson with mild-moderate disease and severe disability (but able to stand and walk unaided (Hoehn and Yahr stage ≤4) be eligible if:

* in everyday life, they do less than the recommended aerobic exercise for older adults (i.e., vigorous exercise done \<3 times per week, 20 min per session; or moderate exercise done \<5 times per week, 30 min per session).
* they have experienced at least one fall and one episode of freezing of gait in the past year.
* they are taking stable dopaminergic pharmacotherapy (stable dose for at least 1 month) or are still without treatment and not expected to start treatment within the next 3 months.

As long as all criteria are met - we will not impose any lower (assuming they are adults) or upper age limit for recruitment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe lower limb motor impairments and/or requirement of a walking aid or wheelchair
* previously diagnosed with stroke or dementia
* having metal implants in the head (i.e. deep brain stimulator or aneurysm clips)
* any other known medical, mental health, or physical condition which may interfere with balance.
* patients on beta-blocking agents or antipsychotics
* patients with other neurological, orthopaedic, or cardiac co-morbidities that make them unfit to do exercise or interferes with balance and cognitive functions required to participate in this study
* patients with psychiatric diseases diagnosed in the past year by a psychiatrist
* patients with dementia
* those unable to tolerate the exergame task.
```

## Locations (1)

- University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom _(52.6386, -1.1317)_
  - Qadeer Arshad, Dr — (CONTACT)

## Central Contacts

- Yasmin Godhania — (CONTACT) — 0116 373 6039 — RGOsponsor@leicester.ac.uk

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT05986643*  
*HTML version: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT05986643*  
*Source data: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05986643*