Training and use of a cane to improve walking in people with Parkinson's disease
Effect of a 3-week Program of Cane Training and Use on Gait of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if training people with Parkinson's disease to use a cane can help them walk better and feel more confident.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Federal University of Minas Gerais Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais) |
| Trial ID | NCT06950255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how training in the use of a cane affects various aspects of gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease, including gait speed, confidence, and functional mobility. It employs a double-blind, randomized controlled design, enrolling 26 participants aged 40 and older who have been diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving cane training or a control group maintaining their usual healthcare routines. The training consists of four sessions over a period of 15 to 22 days, focusing on proper cane usage in daily activities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older with idiopathic Parkinson's disease classified between stages II to IV on the modified Hoehn & Yahr Scale.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, those using deep brain stimulation, or individuals with other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance mobility and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease by improving their gait and confidence while walking.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored the immediate effects of assistive devices on gait, this study's comprehensive approach to participant-centered outcomes is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of idiopathic PD confirmed by a neurologist * classification between stages II to IV of the modified Hoehn \& Yahr Scale (HY) * use of anti-parkinsonian medication with stable pharmacological therapy for at least 6 months * ability to walk independently in a 14-meter corridor with a walking speed ≤ 1.1 m/s * ability to use a single-point cane during walking correctly and safely, and not being regular users of any type of assistive device since the diagnosis of PD. Exclusion Criteria: * cognitive impairment, assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination * use deep brain stimulation, * had any other neurological, cardiopulmonary or musculoskeletal condition that may compromise the tests performance
Where this trial is running
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
- Federal University of Minas Gerais — Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christina DCM Faria, Doctor — Federal University of Minas Gerais
- Study coordinator: Christina DCM Faria, Doctor
- Email: cdcmf@ufmg.br
- Phone: +55 (31) 34097448
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.