Gamification and Physical Activity in Parkinson's Disease

This study is looking at whether using 'gamification' (like a game with points for reaching step goals) can help people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) be more physically active. We know exercise helps with both movement and non-movement symptoms of PD, but many people don't get enough activity. This study will compare people who use gamification to those who just get daily text reminders about their step goals. Researchers will measure changes in step counts, movement difficulties (bradykinesia), and non-movement symptoms using a questionnaire after 26 weeks. You might be able to join if you are a Veteran between 50 and 89 years old, have a diagnosis of PD, and are on stable medication for it. The study aims to enroll 110 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two behavioral approaches (gamification vs. feedback control) to increase physical activity in 110 participants.
What's involved
Participants will engage in an automated gamification intervention or receive daily text messages reminding them of their step goal for 26 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 26 weeks, with primary endpoints measured at the end of this period.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07286994

Gamification and Physical Activity in PD

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 50–89Interventional
VA Office of Research and Development
~110 participants
Updated 2026-09-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:GamificationFeedback control

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in step counts
Measured over end of intervention period (week 26)
+2 more outcomes measured
Parkinson Disease

NCT07286994

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniastudy coordinator listed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • James F Morley, MD PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Veterans
Have a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (PD) based on diagnosis codes and chart review
Are on a stable regimen of anti-parkinsonian medication

Exclusion

Diagnosis of an atypical parkinsonian syndrome or concomitant administration of a drug that could cause parkinsonian syndromes
Cardiovascular or other medical comorbidities that preclude participation in an intervention to increase physical activity
Lack of access to a smartphone or other device (tablet or networked computer) that can be used to interface with the Fitbit app and Way to Health platform
Fallen more than twice within the past year (assessed via phone screening)
Clinical diagnosis of dementia
  • Change in step countsend of intervention period (week 26)

    Primary outcome: change in daily step counts from baseline to intervention. H1a: subjects randomized to gamification will increase step counts significantly more than controls.

  • Bradykinesiaend of intervention period (week 26)

    Primary outcome: association between changes in step count and changes in bradykinesia. Bradykinesia scores are measured during the last week of the study period using the wrist-worn Parkinson's KinetiGraph (PKG) by Empatica device. Bradykinesia scores are numeric, with higher numbers indicating more severe symptoms.

  • Non-motor symptoms questionnaire (NMSQ)end of intervention period (week 26)

    Association between changes in step count and changes in NMSQ during the intervention. The NMSQ is a well-validated 30-item questionnaire assessing the severity of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Questions are subdivided into various non-motor domains (cardiovascular, sleep, mood, hallucinations, memory, gastrointestinal (GI), urinary, sexual function, and miscellaneous). Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.