Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 35 to 80

Using patient-reported ratings to guide DBS programming

Official title: Pairing Subjective Patient Rating and Local Field Potentials for DBS Programming

Run by Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich · NCT07336199 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project tests whether combining patients' own ratings with brain signal recordings can help find better DBS settings for people with Parkinson's who already have STN-DBS implants.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages35 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment25 (estimated)
SponsorLudwig-Maximilians - University of Munich
Academic / other
Locations1 site (München)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 2, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2026
Study endsOctober 1, 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 14, 2026
Trial IDNCT07336199 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 35–80 with clinically confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease who have bilateral STN-DBS implants and can communicate reliably, preferably with a sensing-enabled IPG for the prospective cohort.

Probably not a fit

Patients without compatible sensing-capable DBS systems, those with manifest dementia, severe comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions, or non-idiopathic Parkinsonism are unlikely to benefit from the findings.

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

What this trial studies

This multicenter prospective and retrospective diagnostic study pairs patients' subjective visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings of stimulation effectiveness with objective local field potential (LFP) recordings, focusing on beta-band activity from implanted STN-DBS electrodes. Structural and functional neuroimaging are integrated to map individualized stimulation "sweet spots" and relate them to electrophysiological signals. The prospective cohort enrolls patients with sensing-enabled implanted pulse generators while retrospective data include recordings from compatible systems. The study is observational and aims to identify markers that could streamline and personalize DBS programming without changing clinical treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could speed up DBS programming and personalize stimulation settings to improve symptom control while reducing clinic time and trial-and-error adjustments.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown correlations between STN beta-band LFPs and motor symptoms and has supported sensing-enabled adaptive DBS, but combining patient VAS ratings with imaging-guided 'sweet spot' mapping for programming remains relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 35 and 80 years

Clinically confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease according to Movement Disorder Society (MDS) criteria

Status post bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS)

Implanted DBS system suitable for electrophysiological recordings (prospective cohort: sensing-enabled IPG)

Ability to understand study procedures and communicate reliably with the investigator

Written informed consent provided

Exclusion Criteria:

Any condition impairing the ability to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures

Presence of exclusion criteria for Parkinson's disease according to MDS criteria

Manifest dementia according to ICD-10 criteria

Severe neurological, psychiatric, or medical conditions interfering with study participation or assessments

Where it's running

  • LMU University Hospital
    München, Germany
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.