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MYSTIC: Moving Yourself in Space and Time

This study, called MYSTIC, is looking at how people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) learn new steps and rhythms set to music. Researchers are using something called Complex Rhythmic Movement Sequences (CRMS) sessions, which involve dancing with different partners every 15-20 minutes. They want to see if this type of movement therapy can help improve movement and thinking skills. They will compare people with PD and MCI to older adults without these conditions. The goal is to create better music-based movement therapies for older adults with brain conditions.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 210 participants. It compares different groups of people, including those with Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy older adults.
What's involved
You would participate in Complex Rhythmic Movement Sequences (CRMS) sessions. Your movement and thinking skills will be measured at the start and again 3 to 5 weeks after the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your progress will be measured at baseline and again 3 to 5 weeks after the intervention.

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

NCT07697664

Moving Yourself in Space and Time: MYSTIC

Recruiting
NAAges 18–79InterventionalTreatment
Emory University
~210 participants
Updated 2026-07-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Complex Rhythmic Movement Sequences (CRMS) Sessions

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Four-Square Step Test (FSST)
Measured over Baseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)
+5 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Related Disorders
Older Adults (60 - 85 Years Old)

Explore related trials

Alzheimer's DiseaseMild cognitive disorderParkinson Disease

NCT07697664

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.

  • Emory University, Executive Park, Wesley Woods

    Atlanta, Georgiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

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

Study leadership

  • Madeleine E. Hackney, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Emory University

Who to contact

Madeleine E. Hackney, PhD
[email protected]
314-412-4852
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 to 35 Years old
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 26 to 30
50 to 79 with or without MCI
50 to 79 years old with Parkinson's disease (PD), who do NOT have impaired decision-making capacity
Participants who achieve less than 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous aerobic activity per week (as per the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)),

Exclusion

Acute medical illness requiring hospitalization;
Uncontrolled congestive heart failure;
History of stroke in the past three years;
Inability to perform study procedures;
Medical or physical conditions that would preclude participation (e.g., severe arthritis or mobility problems, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, renal failure, history of angina with activity);
On medications that could adversely affect cognition, e.g., antipsychotics, opioids, stimulants, chemotherapy, and neurologic prescriptions to treat Multiple Sclerosis. When applicable, enrollment will be delayed until dosages are stable on e.g., Aricept, Namenda, anticholinesterase inhibitors, for at least 3 months
Psychotic disorders
Confounding neurologic conditions \[e.g., active central nervous system (CNS) opportunistic infections, seizure disorders, head injury with loss of consciousness \>30 minutes, intracranial neoplasms, stroke with neurological or neuropsychiatric sequelae\]
Substance Use Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder within six months of evaluation.
Inability to provide informed consent

What this trial measures

  • Four-Square Step Test (FSST)Baseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)

    The Four Square Step Test (FSST) assesses mechanisms underlying motor-cognitive integration. FSST requires participants to step clockwise, then counterclockwise, into four squares created by rods arranged on the ground in a cross. Participants are instructed to perform FSST "as quickly and as safely as you can," not to touch the rods, and to make both feet contact the floor in each square. Timing begins when the participant initiates movement and stops when both feet are back in the starting square after completing the sequence. Trials will be repeated if the participant does not understand the instructions, fails to complete the sequence accurately, loses balance, or touches a rod. Three successful trials will be recorded, and the fastest time selected for analysis. Lower scores are better.

  • Gait SpeedBaseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)

    Gait speed testing (Forward/Backwards/Fast): How quickly a person can walk within a specific distance forward and Backwards using GAITRite. GAITRite is a pressure-sensitive walkway that can assess gait anomalies. Lower scores are better.

  • Body Position Spatial Task (BPST)Baseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)

    Body Position Spatial Task (BPST) is a validated visuospatial memory task. The BPST incorporates spatial memory and navigational skills while maintaining posture. The examiner verbally and visually shows a series of side, forward, and turning steps, which the examinee repeats. If the examinee repeats the entire pattern correctly, they are scored as 1; any incorrect parts of the pattern result in a score of 0. Participants complete up to 8 different sequences and have up to 2 tries to perform the sequence correctly. Total scores can range from 0 to 8, with higher values indicating more sequences correctly performed and better.

  • 30-Second Sit-to-Stand testBaseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)

    The number of sit-to-stand maneuvers completed in 30 seconds is used to measure leg strength and endurance. A higher score is better.

  • 360 Turn Test (Steps)Baseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)

    The number of steps the participant takes to turn around in a complete circle. Lower number of steps is better.

  • 360 Turn Test (Time)Baseline and post-intervention (3 to 5 weeks)

    The time it takes the participants to turn around in a complete circle. Lower times are better.