Studying the effects of deep brain stimulation on motor behavior in Parkinson's disease

Mechanisms and Effects of Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation on Levodopa Resistant Motor Signs in Parkinson's Disease; Udall Project 2 Aim 2A&C

Observational University of Minnesota · NCT05656586

This study is testing how deep brain stimulation affects movement and walking in people with Parkinson's disease over a month.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05656586 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study utilizes the Medtronic Percept™ PC DBS system to investigate how deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the globus pallidus internus and externus affects motor behavior and local field potentials in patients with Parkinson's disease. Over a four-week period, the study will analyze the dynamics of motor function and the relationship between gait fluctuations and local field potentials during daily activities. By measuring these effects, the research aims to provide insights into the connections between brain oscillations, lower limb function, and overall gait performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with Parkinson's disease who are currently receiving DBS therapy in the globus pallidus and have been implanted with the Medtronic Percept DBS system.

Not a fit: Patients with significant musculoskeletal disorders, cognitive impairments, or other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how DBS impacts motor control, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using local field potentials in DBS is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding motor control in Parkinson's disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Receiving DBS therapy in GP for treatment of PD
* Implanted with Medtronic Percept DBS system
* At least 3 months since initial activation of the neurostimulator
* For the "At Home" experiment only: participants with DBS settings that are sensing compatible.

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of musculoskeletal disorders that significantly affects the ability to perform the motor tasks in the specific experiment in question
* history of dementia or cognitive impairment
* other significant neurological disorder as determined by the PI
* post-operative complications or adverse effects (e.g. ON stimulation dystonias) that affect patient safety or confound the experiment
* lack of capacity to consent (as identified by MaCAT-CR)

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 Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.