Detecting freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients using sensors

DetectFoG : Detection of Gait Freezing Episodes in Parkinsonian Patients Using Inertial

Not applicable Interventional Rennes University Hospital · NCT05822258

This study tests if using sensors can help better track freezing of gait episodes in people with Parkinson's while they walk under different conditions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRennes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rennes, Brittany Region)
Trial IDNCT05822258 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to objectively assess freezing of gait (FOG) episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease using inertial measurement units. Participants will walk under three different conditions: normal walking, physical tasks, and verbal tasks, to evaluate the severity and frequency of FOG episodes. The study seeks to improve clinical assessment methods for FOG, which is a common and debilitating symptom affecting many Parkinson's patients. By utilizing advanced technology, the research hopes to provide a more reliable and practical approach to monitoring this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with Parkinson's disease who experience episodes of freezing of gait.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment or other neurological conditions that interfere with walking may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved assessment and management of freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of inertial measurement units for gait analysis is gaining traction, this specific approach to assessing freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient over 18 years old
* With Parkinson's disease according to the United Kingdom Brain Bank criteria
* Presenting episodes of freezing of gait assessed on the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS II - question 13 with a score between 1 and 3 in order to have a patient walking without technical assistance) produced by the neurologist
* Able to walk 30 meters independently
* Affiliated to a social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme
* Having signed a free and informed consent in writing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) \< 20/30
* Other neurological or orthopedic history that interferes with walking
* Pregnant, parturient or breastfeeding women
* Adults subject to legal protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship), persons deprived of liberty
* Persons undergoing psychiatric care, persons admitted to a health or social establishment for purposes other than research
* Minors
* Persons unable to express their consent
* Simultaneous participation in another research related to balance and/or walking

Where this trial is running

Rennes, Brittany Region

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 DiseaseFreezing of Gait
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.