Stochastic Resonance Stimulation Effect on Gait Stability in Parkinson Disease (NCT06829342) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Stochastic Resonance Stimulation Effect on Gait Stability in Parkinson Disease
United States21 participantsStarted 2021-05-19
Plain-language summary
The present study explored the use of a technique called stochastic resonance (SR) stimulation that may help individuals with Parkinson Disease maintain balance while walking on challenging surfaces. Impaired balance represents one of the disease symptoms, putting people at risk for falls, partly due to impaired processing of sensory information. SR uses light electrical signals to improve the way the body detects sensations. We wanted to test if SR could help people with Parkinson disease stay steadier while walking. Each participant's optimal SR intensity was determined before they walked on a treadmill in a virtual environment that created visual disturbances to challenge their balance. We measured how much their body swayed, how they placed their feet, and how their ankles moved during the walking tasks.
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years – 85 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.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson Disease
* Hoehn and Yahr (H\&Y) stage ≤ III
* Can walk independently for at least 2 minutes without an assistive device or orthosis
* Ability to communicate discomfort during testing
* Can follow multi-step commands
* Scored at least 24/30 on the Montreal Cognitive assessment (MoCA)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Any head, neck, or face injury in the six months prior to the study (e.g., concussion, eye injury)
* History of vestibular or ocular dysfunction
* Currently taking any medications affecting balance (i.e. antibiotics)
* Injuries to lower extremities affecting balance in the past six months
* Pregnancy
* Any neurological disorders other than Parkinson's disease (e.g., seizure disorders, closed head injuries with loss of consciousness greater than 15 minutes, CNS neoplasm, history of stroke)
* Unstable cardiac or pulmonary disease
* Clinically obese (BMI 30 or above)
* Any metal implant in the feet or legs that is close to the stimulating electrodes
* A known allergy to medical-grade adhesives
* Any other comorbidity affecting the ability to safely walk without assistance for at least 2 minutes
* Exhibited severe dyskinesia
* Did not respond to L-DOPA or other dopaminergic treatment
* Exhibited cardiovascular-autonomic or multiple-system symptoms indicative of a "Parkinsonism-plus" presentation
Questions worth asking your doctor
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in the Center of Mass (CoM) excursion
Timeframe: Through study completion, an average of 1 year.