Investigating balance and walking difficulties in Parkinson's disease
Vestibulopathy, imbalance and gait disturbances in Parkinson disease
This study is looking at how problems with balance and movement in people with Parkinson's disease, especially those who have trouble walking, might be linked to issues with their inner ear balance system, and it will also explore if a new portable treatment could help improve their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909812 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how vestibular system impairments contribute to balance and gait issues in individuals with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing freezing of gait. The study will involve a cross-sectional analysis of Veterans with Parkinson's disease to explore the relationship between age-related vestibular dysfunction and these gait disturbances. Additionally, it will assess the feasibility of using portable thermoneuromodulation as a potential treatment for those affected. Participants will undergo detailed clinical assessments, including motor and vestibular testing, to gather comprehensive data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait and may also have vestibular impairments.
Not a fit: Patients without Parkinson's disease or those who do not experience gait disturbances are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new rehabilitation strategies that improve mobility and reduce falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While research on vestibular dysfunction in Parkinson's disease is limited, preliminary data suggests a promising link that warrants further investigation.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bohnen, Nicolaas Ida — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Bohnen, Nicolaas Ida
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 below.