JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Approximately 80% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience impaired balance and mobility, contributing to freezing of gait(FOG), increased fall risk, and reduced health-related quality of life(HRQOL). Mind–body interventions such as mindfulness and yoga may address both motor and non-motor symptoms by enhancing mind–body coordination and reducing stress, offering a scalable approach to balance rehabilitation in PD.

Objective:

To evaluate the effects and acceptability of Mindfulness Yoga—Practice Awareness through Cognitive-based Exercise (MY-PACE), an mHealth-delivered home-based intervention, on balance, mobility, and psychological well-being in individuals with PD and balance impairment.

Methods:

This assessor-blinded, two-arm randomized waitlist-controlled trial will enroll 132 individuals with PD and balance impairment, randomized to MY-PACE(n=66) or control group receiving routine outpatient care(n=66). The MY-PACE group will complete a 12-week, Zoom-delivered program incorporating mindfulness, yoga and mindful walking practices. The control group will receive the intervention after study completion. The primary outcome is functional balance (Berg Balance Scale). Secondary outcomes include functional mobility, gait patterns, balance confidence, FOG severity, motor symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms, cognitive function, mindfulness, HRQOL and fall diary. Assessments will occur at baseline, 3 months(T1), and 6 months(T2). Data will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models under intention-to-treat principle.

Results:

This trial was funded by the Early Career Scheme 2021/22 of the Research Grants Council, Hong Kong, and received approval form the Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong. Recruitment began in April 2022. As of manuscript submission, 132 participants have been enrolled. Data analysis has not yet commenced. The results are expected to be published in 2026.

Conclusions:

This trial will evaluate a telehealth-delivered mindful yoga intervention for improving balance and mobility in individuals with PD. By integrating cognitive-based mindful awareness and motor training, MY-PACE targets both motor and non-motor contributors to balance impairment. If effective, it may represent a scalable intervention for individuals with PD and other populations mobility limitations. Clinical Trial: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100054145; December 10, 2021).