Endurance Exercise & Virtual Reality for Optimizing Cortical Excitability and Neuroplasticity in PD

This study aims to determine the effects of aerobic exercise as a primer to add-on virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation on balance, postural control and neuroplasticity (ability of brain to adapt in structure and function) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study will utilize two groups - one group will receive the exercise and VR, while the other group will receive stretching exercise and VR over eight weeks. The study team will administer outcomes at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks after post-assessment).

This study will enroll individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who will be randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) high intensity endurance exercise and virtual reality (experimental) or 2) stretching and virtual reality (control) for eight weeks (three sessions, thrice weekly). Outcomes will include balance and gait measures, blood-based biomarkers, neuroplasticity measures (assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation), spinal reflex excitability (measured by H reflex) and quality of life.