Effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on walking in Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation

Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) on Gait in Parkinson Disease (PD) Patients With DBS

NA · Johns Hopkins University · NCT05763732

This study tests if walking to rhythmic sounds can help people with Parkinson's who have deep brain stimulation improve their walking speed and stride.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University (other)
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05763732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) influences gait parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease who have deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants. Participants will walk to metronome beats while their DBS is either turned on or off, allowing researchers to assess changes in cadence, velocity, and stride length. The study will also collect electrophysiological data to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms behind any observed changes in gait. The protocol includes randomized conditions for the order of stimulation states and detailed assessments before, during, and after RAS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who have an implanted deep brain stimulation device.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable or unwilling to follow study procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved gait and mobility for Parkinson's patients using DBS.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using rhythmic auditory stimulation to improve gait in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in Parkinson's patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD) (and)
* PD patients who implanted Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) with PerceptTM PC

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability or unwillingness to follow directions for study procedures

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Parkinson Disease, Parkinson disease, Deep brain stimulation, Rhythmic auditory stimulation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.