Our recent study (Xie et al, Neurology 2015; 84: 415-420) found that bilateral STN DBS of 60Hz, compared to the traditional 130Hz, decreased the aspiration frequency and swallowing difficulty, freezing of gait (FOG), and other axial symptoms and parkinsonism in Parkinson patients with FOG refractory to 130Hz and medications. The benefit of 60Hz stimulation persisted during the 6-week study period, but with worsening tremor in one patient. However, it remains unknown whether the benefit of 60Hz would persist on prolonged stimulation period, and whether there is carry-over effect across different conditions. Hence, the investigators would like to test the hypothesis that the 60Hz stimulation, compared to 130Hz might have persistent benefit over an extended period in reducing the swallowing dysfunction, FOG, and other axial symptoms in these PD patients even after correcting the potential carry-over effect.
Age range
45 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Frequency of Aspiration Events on Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study at Visit 1
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Perceived Swallowing Difficulty on Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire at Visit 1
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Freezing of Gait Questionnaire at Visit 1
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Stand-Walk-Sit Freezing of Gait Spells at Visit 1
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Stand-Walk-Sit Time at Visit 1
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Frequency of Aspiration Events on Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study at Visit 2
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Perceived Swallowing Difficulty on Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire at Visit 2
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Freezing of Gait Questionnaire at Visit 2
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Stand-Walk-Sit Freezing of Gait Spells at Visit 2
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes
Stand-Walk-Sit Time at Visit 2
Timeframe: Immediately following treatment for at least 30 minutes