NCT04804202 · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Virtual Cycling Environments for Persons With Parkinson Disease
(VCYCLE_PD)
What this study is about
This study asks three questions about Persons with Parkinson Disease that use a bicycle for exercise. 1. Does the use of virtual reality increase the intensity and and enjoyment of the experience compared to bicycling without virtual reality? 2. Does the way in which the bicycling (interval compared to continous) is performed affect the experience? 3.
View original scientific description
This study asks three questions about Persons with Parkinson Disease that use a bicycle for exercise. 1. Does the use of virtual reality increase the intensity and and enjoyment of the experience compared to bicycling without virtual reality? 2. Does the way in which the bicycling (interval compared to continous) is performed affect the experience? 3.
Interventions
OTHER
Bicycling with and without virtual reality
In one session: Exercise intensity and enjoyment are measured while participants bicycle in a virtual compared to non-virtual environment. Cycling takes places in two modes continous and interval. In a second session exercise intensity and enjoyment are compared during bicycling with virtual reality presented in two different ways.
Primary outcome measures
Neuromuscular Intensity
Time frame: Collected in two sessions: Session 1(day 1 for 2 hours) collected continuously during 2 exercise bouts to compare exercise bouts.____Session 2 (day 2 for 2 hours) collected continuously in four exercise bouts to compare exercise bouts
bicycling cadence collected continuously
Physiological Responses to Exercise- Oxygen Consumption
Time frame: Collected in two sessions: Session 1(day 1 for 2 hours) collected continuously during 2 exercise bouts to compare exercise bouts___ Session 2 (day 2 for 2 hours) collected continuously in four exercise bouts to compare exercise bouts
Metabolic equivalents derived from oxygen consumption which is collected continuously during four exercise bouts.
Enjoyment-Motivation
Time frame: Collected in two sessions: Session 1 collected continuously during 2 exercise bouts in a 2 hour Session 2: in four exercise bouts in a 2 hour session to compare exercise bouts
Intrinsic Motivation Inventory Enjoyment sub-scales collected at the end of each exercise bout
Heart Rate % of maximum
Time frame: Collected in two sessions: Session 1 collected continuously during 2 exercise bouts in a 2 hour Session 2: in four exercise bouts in a 2 hour session to compare exercise bouts
Collected continuously during exercise bouts and will be evaluated as a % of age adjusted maximum heart rate
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
- Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III,
- 45-75 years old
- able to ride a stationary upright bicycle
- able to sign informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Have a recent history of severe heart disease, severe lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes, traumatic brain injury or neurological disorder other than Parkinson Disease.
- Are unable to follow directions or sign a consent form
- Do not have adequate vision or hearing ability to see or hear a television
- Have unstable medical condition or musculoskeletal disorder such as severe arthritis, recent knee surgery, hip surgery, or any other condition that the investigators determine would impair the ability to ride the bicycle
- Have any other medical condition that prevents bicycling
- Have moderate depression
Where
- Newark, New Jersey
- Old Westbury, New York
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA), New York Institute of Technology
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations