Objective: To determine the feasibility and potential effects of a technological visuo-cognitive training (TVT) intervention in people with Parkinson’s (PwP).

Background: Visual and cognitive impairments are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and relate to balance and gait impairment, as well as increased falls risk and reduced quality of life [1, 2, 3]. Vision and cognition are interrelated (termed visuo-cognition) which makes intervention complex in PwP. Non-pharmacological interventions for visuo-cognitive deficits are possible with modern technology, such as combined mobile applications and stroboscopic glasses, but evidence for their effectiveness in PwP is lacking [4].

Method: This is a two-armed cross-over design, assessor-blinded, single-centre randomised trial. Forty adults with mild-to-moderate PD will be randomly assigned to either Group A (n=20) or Group B (n=20). Group A will receive 8 sessions of TVT over a 4-week period. Each session will include a series of visual training drills using a mobile device and hand-eye co-ordination activities whilst wearing stroboscopic glasses. Group B will receive 8 sessions of active control intervention involving standard visual training drills and games. After a 2-week wash out period, the groups will cross-over and Group A will receive 8 sessions of active control intervention and Group B will receive 8 sessions of TVT. Assessments will be recorded at baseline, after the first 4-week intervention and at the end of the second 4-week intervention.

Results: The primary clinical outcome will be change in visuo-cognition from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcomes will include change in balance, gait, quality of life, fear of falling and levels of activity. Feasibility will be examined in relation to safety and acceptability of the TVT intervention; user experiences of TVT will be explored through qualitative semi-structured interviews.

Conclusion: Understanding the effects of TVT in PwP will enable clinicians and therapists to improve their treatment interventions and address symptoms of PD which have historically received very little attention.

References: 1. Hamedani, A.G., et al., Visual Impairment Is More Common in Parkinson’s Disease and Is a Risk Factor for Poor Health Outcomes. Movement Disorders, 2020. 35(9): p. 1542-1549. 2. Ekker, M.S., et al., Ocular and visual disorders in Parkinson’s disease: common but frequently overlooked. Parkinsonism & related disorders, 2017. 40: p. 1-10. 3. Leroi, I., et al., Cognitive impairment in Parkinson disease: impact on quality of life, disability, and caregiver burden. Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology, 2012. 25(4): p. 208-214. 4. Bloem, B.R., N.M. de Vries, and G. Ebersbach, Nonpharmacological treatments for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 2015. 30(11): p. 1504-1520.

« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2021

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/visuo-cognitive-training-in-parkinsons-disease-protocol-for-a-randomised-cross-over-trial/