Effects of tactile cueing on walking in Parkinson's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how a personalized tactile cueing system affects gait automaticity in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving step-synchronized tactile cues and the other receiving fixed interval cues as a control. The researchers aim to measure changes in gait variability and speed, as well as cortical activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The goal is to understand the relationship between cueing, gait performance, and brain activity, potentially leading to improved walking strategies for patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease from movement disorders neurologist with the United Kingdom Brain Bank criteria of bradykinesia with 1 or more of the following - rest tremor, rigidity, and balance problems not from visual, vestibular, cerebellar or proprioceptive conditions
* Without musculoskeletal or peripheral or central nervous system disorders (other than PD) that could significantly affect their balance and gait
* All subjects will be capable of following directions for the protocols and to give informed consent.
* Hoehn \& Yahr Levels II-III.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe dyskinesia that may affect quality of fNIRS.
* Major musculoskeletal or neurological disorders, structural brain disease, epilepsy, acute illness or health history, other than Parkinson's Disease, significantly affecting gait and turning i.e., peripheral neuropathy with proprioceptive deficits (detected as lack of toe proprioception assessed during the neurological exam at Day 1), musculoskeletal disorders, vestibular problem, head injury, stroke.
* Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score \< 21 or dementia that precludes consent to participate or ability to follow testing procedures
* Inability to stand or walk for 2 minutes without an assistive device.
* Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease exclusion criteria: Parkinson plus syndromes such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, or corticobasal syndrome or implanted electrodes for deep brain stimulation (DBS), possible vascular parkinsonism, current use of dopamine-blocking agents or cholinesterase inhibitor (as may affect Prefrontal cortical activity while walking).

Where it's running

• Oregon Health and Science University
  Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Martina Mancini, PhD — Oregon Health and Science University
• Study coordinator: Francesa Alcalá, B.S.
• Email: alcalaf@ohsu.edu
• Phone: 503-913-3691

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• One-day exercise test to see how brain and body react in epilepsy, cognitive disorders, Parkinson's, dementia, and related conditions

  A one-day study tests how an acute bout of exercise changes brain function and bodily signals in people with certain neurological conditions compared with healthy individuals.

  Recruiting Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07883720

• Tributyrin for PSP: a virtual, early-phase study

  This study tests whether tributyrin is safe and tolerable in people with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy who are 45 or older, using virtual visits.

  Recruiting Phase 1/2 University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, Michigan · NCT07863180

• A look at why Lewy body conditions cause visual hallucinations

  This study tests brain‑imaging in people with Lewy body diseases who do or don’t experience visual hallucinations, and in healthy volunteers, to see how brain networks might create these images.

  Recruiting NYU Langone Health · New York, New York · NCT07849413

• How physical activity might help people with Parkinson’s disease who have DBS-STN implants

  This study tests whether adding regular physical activity can help people with Parkinson’s who have DBS-STN stimulation by trying a structured physiotherapy approach alongside standard care.

  Recruiting Medical University of Warsaw · Warsaw · NCT07838636

• Can hippotherapy improve mobility, gait, balance, and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease?

  This pilot trial tests whether adding horse-assisted therapy to standard rehab helps mobility, gait, balance, and perceived health in adults with Parkinson's disease.

  Recruiting Klinik Valens · Valens, Canton of St. Gallen · NCT07802509

• Gut methane and Parkinson's: measuring if a probiotic helps people with Parkinson's, REM sleep behavior disorder, or cognitive concerns

  This study tests whether a probiotic containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri can help people with Parkinson's disease, those at high risk for PD, and related cognitive issues by potentially improving gut methane levels and overall symptoms.

  Recruiting University of Cambridge · Cambridge, CB2 · NCT07786116

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.