Understanding balance problems in Parkinson's disease

Kinematic and neural dynamics of postural instability in Parkinson’s disease

NIH-funded research Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11000131

This study is looking at how balance problems affect people with Parkinson's disease by using wearable sensors to track their stability in everyday situations, with the hope of finding better ways to help them stay safe and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMinneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000131 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how postural instability affects individuals with Parkinson's disease by using wearable sensors to monitor their balance in real-world settings. It aims to identify different types of postural instability and how they relate to patients' daily experiences. By analyzing data collected from these sensors, the research seeks to improve our understanding of balance issues and develop better treatment strategies. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to more effective interventions for managing falls and improving quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience postural instability and related balance difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not experience significant balance issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for balance issues in Parkinson's disease, potentially reducing falls and enhancing patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using wearable sensors to monitor balance and movement in various populations, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights for Parkinson's disease as well.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.