Examining brain activity during complex walking in people with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes

Walking and Thinking - Brain Activity During Complex Walking in Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes

Karolinska Institutet · NCT06906276

This study looks at how brain activity changes when people with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, like PSP and MSA, try to walk in different ways to help improve their independence.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet (other)
Locations1 site (Solna, Solna)
Trial IDNCT06906276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how brain function is affected during complex walking tasks in individuals diagnosed with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), the study aims to assess brain activity alongside behavioral evaluations of motor and cognitive performance during various walking conditions. The goal is to better understand the motor-cognitive interactions that are crucial for maintaining an independent lifestyle in this population, which may inform future rehabilitation strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or Multiple System Atrophy who can walk for up to 5 minutes.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive difficulties, freezing of gait, or other neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies that enhance motor-cognitive performance in patients with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using fNIRS in this context may be novel, studies on motor-cognitive interactions in similar populations have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* clinical diagnosis of PSP according to Movement Disorder Society (MDS) (2017) or
* MSA according to MDS criteria (2022)
* the ability to walk with or without a mobility device for ≤5 minutes continuously

Exclusion Criteria:

* cognitive difficulties affecting the ability to understand and/or follow verbal/written - instructions
* severe freezing of gait
* Severe hearing or visual impairments that affect participation in the assessments
* Other neurological diseases
* Other diseases that can affect gait or balance.

Where this trial is running

Solna, Solna

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: Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Atypical Parkinson Disease, fNIRS, Aging

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.