Improve gait stability using cane
- Trial ID
- NCT06950255
- Official Title
- Effect of a 3-week Program of Cane Training and Use on Gait of Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
- Goal
- Improve gait stability using cane
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Federal University of Minas Gerais
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 26 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- Cane, static stretching and health education
Summary For Families
It tests whether a focused 3-week cane training program can improve walking speed, step quality and stability for people with Parkinson's who have slowed or unstable gait. Participants are randomized to supervised training that teaches correct single-point cane timing, placement, weight shift and posture to promote steadier, longer steps, or to a control group doing static stretching and health education; the cane is a mechanical aid used alongside stable Parkinson's medications and does not change how drugs like levodopa work. The trial is looking for adults 40 and older with idiopathic PD at Hoehn and Yahr stages II to IV who can walk independently up to 14 meters at 1.1 m/s or slower, are on stable antiparkinsonian meds for at least 6 months, and can safely use a single-point cane, while people with cognitive impairment, deep brain stimulation, or other major health issues are excluded.
Locations
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Cane. It tests whether a focused 3-week cane training program can improve walking speed, step quality and stability for people with Parkinson's who have slowed or unstable gait. Participants are randomized to supervised training that teaches correct single-point cane timing, placement, weight shift and posture to promote steadier, longer steps, or to a control group doing static stretching and health education; the cane is a mechanical aid used alongside stable Parkinson's medications and does not change how drugs like levodopa work. The trial is looking for adults 40 and older with idiopathic PD at Hoehn and Yahr stages II to IV who can walk independently up to 14 meters at 1.1 m/s or slower, are on stable antiparkinsonian meds for at least 6 months, and can safely use a single-point cane, while people with cognitive impairment, deep brain stimulation, or other major health issues are excluded.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 40 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 1 year and 4 months.
- 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.