Pinpoint causes of balance problems
- Trial ID
- NCT06464029
- Official Title
- Pathways Mediating Impaired Postural Control in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Pinpoint causes of balance problems
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Minnesota
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Enrollment
- 120 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
Summary For Families
The goal is to pinpoint which brain and body pathways cause the balance and postural control problems people with Parkinson's often experience, so future therapies can better prevent falls. Researchers will observe people doing standing and walking tasks in the lab while measuring how sensory input, muscle responses, and neural control differ between Parkinson's and healthy volunteers; no drugs or surgeries are given, this is an observational study. People with implanted devices like deep brain stimulators or pacemakers, on blood thinners, or with seizures, stroke, dementia, recent concussion, major musculoskeletal issues, or other significant neurological disorders are excluded. The study is enrolling adults with idiopathic Parkinson's aged 45 to 80 who can walk 50 meters unaided, plus age- and sex-matched healthy older adults 45 to 80 and a younger control group aged 21 to 44.
Locations
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying an experimental treatment. The goal is to pinpoint which brain and body pathways cause the balance and postural control problems people with Parkinson's often experience, so future therapies can better prevent falls. Researchers will observe people doing standing and walking tasks in the lab while measuring how sensory input, muscle responses, and neural control differ between Parkinson's and healthy volunteers; no drugs or surgeries are given, this is an observational study. People with implanted devices like deep brain stimulators or pacemakers, on blood thinners, or with seizures, stroke, dementia, recent concussion, major musculoskeletal issues, or other significant neurological disorders are excluded. The study is enrolling adults with idiopathic Parkinson's aged 45 to 80 who can walk 50 meters unaided, plus age- and sex-matched healthy older adults 45 to 80 and a younger control group aged 21 to 44.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 45 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.