Using music and singing to improve walking in people with Parkinson's disease
Sing for Your Saunter: Using Self-Generated Rhythmic Cues to Enhance Gait in Parkinson's
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10930940
This study is looking at how music and singing can help older adults with Parkinson's disease walk better and more steadily, by finding out which rhythms work best for them and how their brains respond to these cues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10930940 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how music and singing can enhance walking performance in older adults, particularly those with Parkinson's disease. It aims to identify the most effective rhythmic cues, such as mental singing and listening to music, to improve gait speed and stability. The study will utilize personalized cues and explore the brain mechanisms involved in these improvements through MRI imaging. Ultimately, it will compare the effects of music-based and singing-based training on walking performance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, especially those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience walking difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or significant gait impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using music and rhythmic cues to enhance movement in individuals with neurological disorders, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EARHART, GAMMON M. — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: EARHART, GAMMON M.
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.
Conditions: Degenerative Neurologic Disorders