Improving walking in Parkinson's patients with new brain stimulation techniques
Official title: ENGAGE-PD: Enhancing Gait Using Alternating-Frequency DBS in Parkinson Disease
Run by The Cleveland Clinic · NCT05022147 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing a new brain stimulation technique to see if it can help people with Parkinson's walk better and feel more stable.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Cleveland Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05022147 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals with Parkinson Disease who have bilateral STN DBS and experience balance or walking impairments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are severely dependent on walking aids or have significant comorbid conditions affecting gait 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 study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of alternating-frequency Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in enhancing gait and reducing postural instability in patients with Parkinson Disease. Participants will engage in gait tasks while their body movements and neural signals are recorded, allowing researchers to assess the impact of different stimulation frequencies. The study addresses a critical need, as current treatments for gait disorders in Parkinson's are often inadequate. By exploring this innovative approach, the research seeks to develop better therapies for managing these debilitating symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved mobility and reduced fall risk for patients with Parkinson Disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on DBS for Parkinson's, this specific approach using alternating frequencies is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Bilateral STN DBS for PD * Medtronic Percept PC implanted DBS battery/pulse generator/recording system * Presence of balance and/or walking impairment and/or freezing of gait * Can walk without assistance, OFF meds, based on yes/no verbal response Exclusion Criteria: * Severity of gait impairment should not require dependency to walker or cane * Cannot tolerate monopolar stimulation at either of the two middle electrode contacts (prerequisite for the recording mode of the DBS) at high frequency (130 Hz) or low frequency (60 Hz). * Concomitant conditions that may affect significantly the evaluation of balance or gait, including orthopedic, rheumatologic or other neurological diseases * Contraindication to physical therapy * Age \< 21 * Diagnosis of dementia * Not agreeable to having video taken of entire research visit
Where it's running
-
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James Liao, MD PhD — The Cleveland Clinic
- Study coordinator: James Liao, MD PhD
- Email: liaoj2@ccf.org
- Phone: 216-445-1108
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using advanced MRI to improve deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
This study is testing if using advanced MRI technology can help improve deep brain stimulation for people with advanced Parkinson's disease by better targeting the brain areas that control movement.
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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.
-
Patterned deep brain stimulation delivered at home for Parkinson's
This study will test whether three types of patterned deep brain stimulation can be used safely and comfortably at home in people with Parkinson's who already have stable bilateral STN or GPi Boston Scientific DBS systems.
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Mediterranean diet for managing weight and body composition after bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease
It will see if following a Mediterranean diet for three months after bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation helps adults with Parkinson's control weight and improve body composition.
-
Frequency-specific stimulation of subthalamic nucleus subregions to improve inhibitory control in Parkinson's disease
This tests whether stimulating different parts of the subthalamic nucleus at low (5 Hz) or high (130 Hz) frequencies can improve inhibitory control in people with Parkinson's disease who have deep brain stimulation.
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Exploring how deep brain stimulation affects attention and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease
This study tests how deep brain stimulation affects attention and helps reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease.
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.