NCT07697664 · Emory University
Moving Yourself in Space and Time: MYSTIC
(MYSTIC)
What this study is about
This study is being done to answer the question: Do people with Parkinson's benefit from a new stepping therapy, and how do people with Parkinson's best learn new steps and rhythms set to music? Researchers will also compare individuals with Parkinson's Disease with people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and with people with neither of these conditions.
View original scientific description
This study is being done to answer the question: Do people with Parkinson's benefit from a new stepping therapy, and how do people with Parkinson's best learn new steps and rhythms set to music? Researchers will also compare individuals with Parkinson's Disease with people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and with people with neither of these conditions. The purpose of this study is to identify principles of human-music interactions to establish underlying guiding theories for application to music-based rehabilitation for older populations with neurodegenerative disease, leading to more refined and targeted music-based rhythmic movement therapies.
Interventions
OTHER
Complex Rhythmic Movement Sequences (CRMS) Sessions
Researchers will establish complex rhythmic movement sequences (CRMS) as an experimental paradigm to identify spatial and temporal components and learning time courses of complex rhythmic movement. Participants will dance with new partners every 15-20 minutes, a widely practiced method of the dance community to enhance learning. The class format is: 1. practicing previously learned steps 2. 25-minute warmup, partnering/rhythmic exercises 3. learning new steps 4. combining old and new steps 5. cool down Participants dance both leading and following roles, learn how to interpret motor goals through touch, and perform activities to foster understanding of the temporal relationship of movement to music.
Primary outcome measures
Four-Square Step Test (FSST)
Time frame: 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 Speed
Time frame: Baseline 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)
Time frame: 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 test
Time frame: Baseline 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)
Time frame: 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)
Time frame: 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.
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
- for Young adults and adults with normal cognition (NC):
- 18 to 35 Years old
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 26 to 30 Inclusion Criteria for Older Adults:
- 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 criteria
- for all groups:
- 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
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
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