Parkinsonism & Related Disorders · Mar 7, 2026

Clinical efficacy of a non-immersive virtual reality-based balance training device in improving balance and gait in Parkinson's disease; A randomized controlled trial

By Lim S, Park J, Kim J et al.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is a critical non-pharmacological intervention in managing patients with PD. Recently, exercises using digital devices, including virtual reality (VR), have been introduced. Non-immersive virtual reality (NIVR)-based balance training may enhance motor rehabilitation in patients with PD. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effects of a non-immersive VR-based training with semi-spherical device on motor symptoms in patients with PD. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, 48 patients with PD were randomly assigned (1:1) to either an intervention or a control group. The primary outcome was the change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III scores from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes included balance measures and spatiotemporal gait parameters. Analyses were conducted according to the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: All 48 randomized participants were included in the analysis. A significant group × time interaction was observed for UPDRS Part III score (p < 0.001), with a between-group difference in least-squares mean change of -7.4 points (95% CI -11.1 to -3.7). Significant interactions were also observed for the Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.007), cadence (p = 0.016), and walking speed (p = 0.021). These remained significant after false discovery rate adjustment. Effect size analysis demonstrated a large treatment effect for UPDRS Part III score (Hedges' g = -1.14). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the potential of a NIVR-based balance training as a practical and effective non-pharmacological intervention for patients with PD. Its interactive and user-friendly.

doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2026.108270PubMed 41855753Interventions