Analyzing walking patterns in patients with neurological diseases
Gait Pattern Analysis in Neurological Disease
This study looks at how people with Parkinson's disease walk compared to healthy individuals to see if there are clear differences in their walking patterns.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT02994719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates gait patterns in patients with parkinsonian disorders compared to healthy controls. It involves 40 subjects with Parkinson's disease and 40 age-matched healthy individuals walking on a pressure sensor-embedded walkway at different speeds. The study aims to identify predictable and quantifiable differences in gait and explore variations among subgroups with different co-morbidities or treatment conditions. An optional second visit allows some participants to walk without anti-Parkinson medication or deep brain stimulation for further analysis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-85 with parkinsonian disorders exhibiting specific symptoms like bradykinesia or rigidity.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to parkinsonism or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of gait abnormalities in patients with neurological diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in analyzing gait patterns in neurological conditions, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-85 (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Presence of at least 2 of the following: bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, postural instability (UK PD Brain Bank Criteria) (Affected subjects only). * Montreal Cognitive Assessment will be employed to determine whether subjects will need the assent of a legally authorized representative. Subjects with MOCA ≤ 21 will be consented only with the assent of the subject and informed consent of the authorized legal representative (Affected subjects only). * These may include subjects who may have indeterminate parkinsonism, when it is not clear whether they have idiopathic Parkinson's Disease versus one of the Atypical Parkinsonisms, such as Vascular Parkinsonism, Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus or Corticobasal Degeneration (Affected subjects only). * Subjects with assistive devices will be eligible for the study and may use them during the study (Affected subjects only). * Absence of complaints regarding difficulty walking such as arthritic pain, fatigue during walking or slowness of walking (Healthy subjects only). Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of alternative explanation for parkinsonism such as head trauma, drug-induced parkinsonism (affected subjects only). * Currently being treated for major medical illness requiring recent hospitalization (\<14 days) (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Currently participating in another clinical study with an intervention arm (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Inability to consent due to cognitive impairment and absence of legally authorized representative (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Subjects with any cardiac, pulmonary conditions (congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the past 90 days, recent myocardial infarction \< 90 days, supplemental oxygen-requiring subjects due to cardiac or pulmonary conditions) that limit their ability to safely participate in a walking trial (for both healthy and affected subjects).
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Clinical Research Center BIDMC — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Veronique Vanderhorst, MD PhD
- Email: vvanderh@bidmc.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-667-0519
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.