000170180 001__ 170180 000170180 005__ 20260407115449.0 000170180 0247_ $$2doi$$a10.1371/journal.pone.0344457 000170180 0248_ $$2sideral$$a148748 000170180 037__ $$aART-2026-148748 000170180 041__ $$aeng 000170180 100__ $$aMorcillo-Martínez, Lorena 000170180 245__ $$aEffects of a level-based immersive virtual reality physical therapy program on static and dynamic balance in Parkinson’s disease: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial 000170180 260__ $$c2026 000170180 5060_ $$aAccess copy available to the general public$$fUnrestricted 000170180 5203_ $$aBackground: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by postural instability, which significantly contributes to an increased risk of falls (occurring in 45–68% of persons with PD annually), leading to greater functional dependence, social isolation, and a significant decrease in quality of life. The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention on static and dynamic balance, gait speed, functional mobility, lower limb strength, and quality of life in people with PD. Furthermore, the study will assess treatment adherence, participant satisfaction, as well as the potential occurrence of adverse effects associated with the application of IVR. Methods: A 10-month, single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted with participants aged 55–90 years diagnosed with PD and classified between stages 2.5 and 4 on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The intervention will consist of an 8-session program. The first part of each session, common to both groups, will include a standardized strength training program. In the second part, the experimental group will receive a physical therapy balance program using IVR, while the control group will follow a usual physical therapy balance exercise program. Discussion: This study will examine whether IVR can improve static and dynamic balance rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease beyond usual physical therapy, addressing real-world motor and dual-task challenges. By providing enriched sensory input and adaptive tasks, the IVR seeks to optimize motor learning and functional mobility. Demonstrating safety and clinically meaningful improvements would support IVR as a scalable and engaging tool to reduce risk of falls and enhance quality of life in PD. 000170180 536__ $$9info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/B61-23D 000170180 540__ $$9info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess$$aby$$uhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.es 000170180 655_4 $$ainfo:eu-repo/semantics/article$$vinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion 000170180 700__ $$aSanz-Mármol, María 000170180 700__ $$aRomanos-Navarrete, Adriana Isabel 000170180 700__ $$0(orcid)0000-0002-1674-7788$$aCalvo, Sandra$$uUniversidad de Zaragoza 000170180 700__ $$aLe Roux-Ethève, Lilian 000170180 700__ $$aEsteban-Repiso, Laura 000170180 700__ $$aCórdova-Alegre, Paula 000170180 700__ $$aJiménez-Sánchez, Carolina 000170180 700__ $$aGaray-Sánchez, Aitor$$uUniversidad de Zaragoza 000170180 700__ $$ala Cruz, Natalia Brandín-de 000170180 7102_ $$11006$$2413$$aUniversidad de Zaragoza$$bDpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería$$cÁrea Fisioterapia 000170180 773__ $$g21, 3 (2026), e0344457 [17 pp.]$$pPLoS One$$tPLoS ONE$$x1932-6203 000170180 8564_ $$s780693$$uhttps://zaguan.unizar.es/record/170180/files/texto_completo.pdf$$yVersión publicada 000170180 8564_ $$s2208995$$uhttps://zaguan.unizar.es/record/170180/files/texto_completo.jpg?subformat=icon$$xicon$$yVersión publicada 000170180 909CO $$ooai:zaguan.unizar.es:170180$$particulos$$pdriver 000170180 951__ $$a2026-03-26-14:31:09 000170180 980__ $$aARTICLE