Understanding Freezing of Gait Using Brain Signals and Virtual Reality (NCT07092995) | Clinical Trial Compass
By InvitationNot Applicable
Understanding Freezing of Gait Using Brain Signals and Virtual Reality
United States36 participantsStarted 2025-11-01
Plain-language summary
Freezing of gait - the inability to start or continue walking - is a particularly disabling problem in Parkinson's disease that has few treatment options. This project records human brain activity from deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices during walking and freezing of gait episodes to understand the pathophysiology of freezing of gait. Findings will lay the foundation for the development of new treatment strategies that address this disabling symptom.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Patients meeting the MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease who are implanted with a Medtronic Percept DBS Device and SenSight Directional Leads in bilateral globus pallidus internus (GPi).
* Able to walk unassisted indoors
* Age 18 or older
* Half of patients will have disabling freezing of gait as defined by freezing more than once per day by self-report on questions 1 \& 2 of the New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire
* The other half of patients will not have freezing of gait as defined by self-report on question 1 of the New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire
Exclusion Criteria:
* Clinical diagnosis of dementia or severe cognitive impairment (MOCA \< 21)
* History of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurologic disorders besides Parkinson's disease
* Comorbidities causing severe gait impairments
* Unstable medical condition including cardio-vascular instability in the past 6 months
* Unable or unwilling to comply with the testing protocol
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.
1My doctor has already discussed a deep brain stimulator implant with me — is this trial only open to Parkinson's patients who already have a DBS device targeting the GPi, and would my current treatment situation even make me a candidate worth discussing with the research team?
2Since this trial is listed as 'enrolling by invitation,' can you help me understand what criteria the researchers are using to invite patients, and whether it's worth asking for a referral or introduction to the study team on my behalf?
3This study is measuring brain signals called GPi spectral power during gait and freezing episodes — can you explain in plain terms what that means, and how the findings from this kind of research might eventually help patients who experience freezing of gait?
4The trial phase is listed as 'not applicable,' which often means it's primarily an observational or recording study rather than a treatment trial — can you help me understand whether participating would change my current treatment at all, or whether it's essentially about contributing data to help future patients?
5Since freezing of gait is one of the harder symptoms to manage in Parkinson's disease, are there standard therapies or adjustments to my current treatment I should explore first, before considering whether to pursue involvement in a specialized brain-signal research study like this one?
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.