Smart shoe vibration to speed walking in people with Parkinson's
The Influence of Vibrotactile Stimulation on Self-selected Walking Speed in People With Parkinson's Disease
NA · Magnes AG · NCT07308418
We will test whether a vibrating smart shoe can help people with Parkinson's walk faster.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Magnes AG (industry) |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT07308418 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, within-subject crossover pilot trial will have 16 adults with Parkinson's perform two short walking tests—one with the CE-certified NUSHU smart shoe providing phase-specific vibrotactile stimulation during swing and one without vibration. Spatiotemporal gait measures including self-selected walking speed, cadence, and stride length will be recorded alongside usability and safety outcomes during a single 45-minute visit. Participants must be able to walk at least 200 m, have stable dopaminergic medication, and sufficient German language skills, while those with neuropathy, atypical parkinsonism, major comorbid gait disorders, or cognitive impairment are excluded. The trial aims to generate first feasibility, safety, and initial efficacy signals to inform larger studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis who can walk at least 200 meters without stopping, are on stable medication for at least four weeks, and can understand German.
Not a fit: People with foot sensory loss (e.g., polyneuropathy), atypical or secondary parkinsonism, other major gait-limiting conditions, or significant cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or to be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could provide a simple, wearable way to improve walking speed and reduce gait-related disability in people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies of vibrotactile or proprioceptive stimulation have shown promising effects on gait, but the NUSHU smart shoe itself has not been previously tested in Parkinson's disease.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * A medically confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease on the physiotherapy prescription. * Stable medication for at least four weeks (no change in dopaminergic therapy). * The ability to walk at least 200 metres without stopping. * Minimum age: 18 years * Sufficient knowledge of German to understand the study information and complete the questionnaires. * Written informed consent form Exclusion criteria: * Atypical or secondary Parkinsonism * Sensory disturbances in the feet (e.g. polyneuropathy). * Other neurological, orthopaedic or internal medical conditions that significantly affect walking * Cognitive impairments that interfere with understanding the study information or following instructions
Where this trial is running
Zurich, Canton of Zurich
- Magnes AG — Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Romina Willi
- Email: research@magnes.ch
- Phone: +41442234873
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Parkinson's Disease, Gait analysis, Vibrotactile feedback