Adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease

Adaptive/Closed Loop vs. Continuous/Open Loop Deep Brain Stimulation of Subthalamic Nucleus: a Two-Phase, Cross-Over, Double-Blind Trial in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional University of Toronto · NCT05402163

This study is testing a new type of brain stimulation that adjusts to a person's needs to see if it can help people with Parkinson's disease feel better compared to the standard method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05402163 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) compared to continuous deep brain stimulation (cDBS) in patients with Parkinson's disease. By utilizing a novel implantable system that adjusts stimulation parameters based on the patient's clinical condition, the study aims to improve symptoms such as freezing of gait and speech issues. The study is designed as a two-phase, double-blinded, cross-over trial, allowing for a direct comparison of the two stimulation methods. Participants will be monitored for changes in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with Parkinson's disease who are currently treated with bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation and experience disabling gait, balance, or speech issues.

Not a fit: Patients who have had previous deep brain stimulation surgery with non-Medtronic products or those with other disorders affecting outcomes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the management of Parkinson's disease symptoms, leading to improved quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While adaptive deep brain stimulation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with fluctuating symptoms.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* PD treated with bilateral STN DBS using Medtronic lead
* Able to provide informed consent and comply with study protocol
* Need to replace the implantable pulse generator (IPG) due to battery end of life
* Presence of disabling gait and/or balance and/or speech issues, as clinically judged by the PI and the patient
* Evidence that these disabling gait and/or balance and/or speech issues are worsened by DBS, i.e. they improve after turning DBS off.
* Use of contact 1 and/or 2 on one hemisphere and/or 9 and/or 10 on the other one
* Good LFP signal (assessable only after IPG replacement with Percept) in at least one hemisphere

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous DBS surgery without Medtronic products
* Potential use of any therapeutic stimulation configuration (such as bipolar) during the study which will prevent the use of aDBS
* Presence of any other disorders potentially impacting the outcome measures (e.g. orthopaedic issues)
* Medically unstable
* Severe non-motor problems, such as depression, dementia, etc.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.