How deep brain stimulation affects walking adaptation and freezing in Parkinson's
Official title: Neurophysiology of Locomotor Adaptation and Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
Run by University of Florida · NCT06911229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if turning deep brain stimulation on helps people with Parkinson's adapt their walking and reduce freezing while walking on a split-belt treadmill off medication.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06911229 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (18–80) with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who have had chronically stable DBS for at least six months, have no dementia, and can walk unaided while able to attend in-person testing.
✕Probably not a fit
People without DBS, with recent or unstable DBS (<6 months), significant cognitive impairment, atypical parkinsonism, or who require walking aids are unlikely to benefit from this specific protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants will walk on a split-belt treadmill through baseline (1:1), adaptation (2:1) and post-adaptation (1:1) phases to measure locomotor adaptation and freezing of gait. Each participant will perform the protocol twice: once with deep brain stimulation (DBS) turned on and once with DBS turned off, while off their Parkinson's medications. The study will record gait metrics, adaptation rate, and freezing episodes, and compare neurophysiological responses between DBS conditions. Eligible participants are adults with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who have had stable DBS for at least six months and can walk without aids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could guide DBS programming or rehabilitation strategies to improve walking adaptability and reduce freezing, potentially improving mobility and lowering fall risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies indicate DBS can influence gait and adaptation but findings are mixed, and using split-belt treadmill paradigms with DBS patients remains relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * consensus diagnosis of idiopathic PD by fellowship trained movement disorders neurologists at the Normal Fixel Institute of Neurological Diseases; * chronically stable DBS, defined as having had DBS for at least 6 months in duration with optimized DBS settings; * Age between 18 - 80 years old per the FDA data sheet for PD DBS; * no dementia according to the clinical diagnostic criteria for PD dementia; * ambulatory without the use of walking aids, or another person's assistance. Exclusion Criteria: * other previous neurological surgery; * suspicion of other neurologic diagnoses such as atypical parkinsonism, or Alzheimer's disease.
Where it's running
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julia Choi, Ph.D.
- Email: juliachoi@ufl.edu
- Phone: 3522941720
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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.