Reduce freezing of gait remotely
- Trial ID
- NCT06957405
- Official Title
- Effects of a Remote Mental and Physical Practice Intervention on Freezing of Gait in People With Parkinson's Disease: a Randomized Controlled Trial
- Goal
- Reduce freezing of gait remotely
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Sao Paulo General Hospital
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 50 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Freezing of Gait
- Interventions
- MPPG (Mental and Physical Practice Group), PPG (Physical Practice Group)
Summary For Families
The goal is to reduce freezing of gait, those sudden moments when your feet feel glued to the floor, so walking becomes more fluid and less frightening. The intervention uses remote sessions that combine motor imagery, where you vividly rehearse walking and turning in your mind, with guided physical practice over video calls; the mental rehearsal is meant to strengthen the brain circuits that plan and trigger steps. These are non-drug therapies used alongside your usual dopaminergic medications, they do not replace levodopa but may help improve gait control when you are on medication. The trial is looking for about 50 people with idiopathic Parkinson's who report freezing of gait, can walk independently at home, use dopaminergic meds, have internet and a video device, and meet brief cognitive and motor imagery screening.
Locations
- University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying MPPG (Mental and Physical Practice Group). The goal is to reduce freezing of gait, those sudden moments when your feet feel glued to the floor, so walking becomes more fluid and less frightening. The intervention uses remote sessions that combine motor imagery, where you vividly rehearse walking and turning in your mind, with guided physical practice over video calls; the mental rehearsal is meant to strengthen the brain circuits that plan and trigger steps. These are non-drug therapies used alongside your usual dopaminergic medications, they do not replace levodopa but may help improve gait control when you are on medication. The trial is looking for about 50 people with idiopathic Parkinson's who report freezing of gait, can walk independently at home, use dopaminergic meds, have internet and a video device, and meet brief cognitive and motor imagery screening.
- Who can participate?
- Eligibility criteria vary. Check the full listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- 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 6 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.