Improving mobility and preventing falls in people with Parkinson's disease
Official title: Mobility in Daily Life and Falls in Parkinson's Disease: Potential for Rehabilitation
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10860936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with Parkinson's disease move better and stay safe by using special sensors to track how they walk and turn for a week, so we can find ways to reduce their risk of falling and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,079 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD100383-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10860936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those who are at risk of falling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who have severe mobility impairments or those who are unable to participate in physical rehabilitation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing mobility and reducing fall risks for individuals with Parkinson's disease by identifying key measures of turning, gait, and daily mobility. Using advanced body-worn sensors, the study aims to monitor these activities over a week to gather objective data. The findings will help develop targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve movement quality and safety in daily life. By understanding how mobility correlates with fall risks, the research seeks to create effective interventions for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance mobility and reduce fall risks for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology for monitoring mobility in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horak, Fay Bahling — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Horak, Fay Bahling
Related research
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Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
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Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
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Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
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Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.