Personalized sleep-based sound stimulation to improve walking in Parkinson's

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This proof-of-concept interventional study uses targeted auditory stimulation during sleep (TASS) tailored to each participant to reactivate rehabilitation-related memories and strengthen motor consolidation. People with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who have gait and postural stability deficits and are prescribed rehabilitation therapy will receive either verum or sham TASS alongside their rehabilitation. The timing and content of auditory cues will be personalized to individual sleep patterns and effects on gait and balance will be measured with clinical scales and objective gait assessments. The study is conducted at the University of Zurich and aims to develop structured, reproducible methods for precision neurorehabilitation of gait in PD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Idiopathic Parkinson's disease with gait and postural stability deficits
* ≥18 years of age
* UPDRS III gait scores 1-3
* UPDRS III postural instability scores 1-3
* Prescribed rehabilitation therapy
* Informed consent as documented by signature
* Adjustments in dopaminergic medication and DBS stimulation to improve

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) \< 20
* Other neurological or medical condition that caused sustained clinically relevant gait and/or postural stability deficits
* History of a physical or neurological condition that interferes with study procedures
* Social and/or personal circumstances that interfere with the ability to return for assessments
* Patients taking benzodiazepines or Z-drugs that have a significant effect on sleep EEG
* Recent DBS implant (≤ 6 months)
* Inability to perform outcome assessments without walking aid
* Skin disorders/problems/allergies in face/ear area that could worsen with electrode application (e.g. nickel allergy)

Where it's running

• University of Zurich
  Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Christian Baumann, Prof. Dr. med.
• Email: christian.baumann@usz.ch
• Phone: +41 44 255 00 02

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.