Robotic Apparel for Parkinson's (NCT06602544)
Reduce freezing episodes during walking
- Trial ID
- NCT06602544
- Official Title
- Preventing Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease Using Soft Robotic Apparel
- Goal
- Reduce freezing episodes during walking
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 20 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease (PD)
- Interventions
- Robotic Apparel
Summary For Families
The goal is to prevent or reduce freezing of gait, those sudden stops that make walking feel like your feet are glued to the floor. The approach uses wearable soft robotic apparel that gives gentle, timed mechanical cues and light assistance to the hips and legs to help restart steps and keep a steady walking rhythm, it is a non-drug device meant to be used alongside your usual Parkinson medications rather than replacing them. The trial is looking for adults 18 to 90 who report freezing of gait, can walk independently for at least 20 meters, score 21 or higher on the MoCA, and can attend eight study visits, with exclusions for very frequent recent falls, recent major surgery, or other serious health problems.
Locations
- Harvard Science and Engineering Complex, Allston, Massachusetts, United States
- Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Robotic Apparel. The goal is to prevent or reduce freezing of gait, those sudden stops that make walking feel like your feet are glued to the floor. The approach uses wearable soft robotic apparel that gives gentle, timed mechanical cues and light assistance to the hips and legs to help restart steps and keep a steady walking rhythm, it is a non-drug device meant to be used alongside your usual Parkinson medications rather than replacing them. The trial is looking for adults 18 to 90 who report freezing of gait, can walk independently for at least 20 meters, score 21 or higher on the MoCA, and can attend eight study visits, with exclusions for very frequent recent falls, recent major surgery, or other serious health problems.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 18 Years and 90 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 2 locations.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- You are never charged a fee to join a legitimate clinical trial, and the study treatment and study-specific tests are provided by the trial sponsor at no charge. In the US, routine care you would receive anyway can still be billed to you or your insurance; coverage rules differ by country, and trials in the UK and Canada usually run through public health systems. Travel, parking, and time are real costs, and some trials reimburse them while others do not. Before enrolling, ask the study coordinator to explain in writing what is and is not covered.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years.
- 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.
- 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.
- Will I get a placebo in this trial?
- Everyone in this trial receives the experimental treatment. There is no placebo group.
- How many visits does this trial involve?
- The protocol is described as a 9-visit study.
- What procedures are involved in this trial?
- Based on the protocol, this trial involves: Wearable / at-home monitoring (non-invasive). Confirm the full schedule with the study coordinator.