Examining brain activity during complex walking in people with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes
Official title: Walking and Thinking - Brain Activity During Complex Walking in Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes
Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT06906276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Solna, Solna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06906276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive difficulties, freezing of gait, or other neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Karolinska Institutet
Solna, Solna, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Franziska Albrecht, PhD — Karolinska Institutet
- Study coordinator: Compliance Office Karolinska Insitutet
- Email: compliance@ki.se
- Phone: +46852480000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.