Optimizing Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease Gait Issues

Multiple Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Postural Instability Gait Disorder

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Minnesota · NCT05893186

This study is testing if adjusting brain stimulation settings can help people with Parkinson's disease walk better and improve their balance.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05893186 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves sixty patients with Parkinson's disease who are receiving bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) to improve their gait and balance. Using advanced imaging techniques, including 7 Tesla MRI and postoperative CT scans, researchers will create patient-specific models to optimize DBS settings. The goal is to selectively activate specific neural pathways associated with gait and balance, comparing different stimulation settings to determine the most effective approach. Participants will undergo testing to measure improvements in gait, balance, bradykinesia, and rigidity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who have undergone bilateral deep brain stimulation and meet specific imaging and timing criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting movement, dementia, or those who have had prior neurosurgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with Parkinson's disease, improving their mobility and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using advanced imaging and personalized stimulation settings have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with movement disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of PD
* Bilateral DBS
* Directional DBS electrode system
* MRI, at least 7 Tesla, with diffusion tensor imaging, prior to DBS surgery
* Head CT, at least 1mm cuts, following DBS surgery
* At least 3 months since initial activation of the neurostimulator

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological or musculoskeletal disorder that significantly affects gait, balance, or limb movements
* Dementia
* Prior stereotactic neurosurgery other than DBS for movement disorder
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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.
Conditions Parkinson DiseaseDeep Brain Stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.