Optimizing Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease Gait Issues
Official title: Multiple Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Postural Instability Gait Disorder
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT05893186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adjusting brain stimulation settings can help people with Parkinson's disease walk better and improve their balance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 25, 2021 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2029 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05893186 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Scott Cooper, MD, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Johanna Caskey, BA
- Email: caske039@umn.edu
- Phone: 763-353-9470
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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.