Scientists decode gait signatures to spot brain diseases
NCT ID NCT02994719
First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study examines walking patterns in people with Parkinson's disease and similar neurological conditions, as well as healthy volunteers. Researchers aim to identify unique 'gait signatures'—speed-dependent measures of walking—that could help distinguish between different disorders. Participants walk under various conditions, including on and off anti-Parkinson medication or deep brain stimulation, to see how these treatments affect gait.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to better diagnostic tools for distinguishing between different neurological conditions that affect walking.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not produce clear or generalizable results due to the small number of participants and variability in gait.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2016
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Subjects with Parkinsonism as defined by UK PD Brain Bank Criteria. The study population includes subjects with Parkinson's Disease and may also include subjects who may have indeterminate parkinsonism, when it is not clear whether they have idiopathic Parkinson's Disease versus one of the Atypical Parkinsonisms, such as Vascular Parkinsonism, Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus or Corticobasal Degeneration. Subgroups include subjects with ataxia and huntington's disease and control subjects without known neurological disease.
- Ages
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18 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-85 (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Presence of at least 2 of the following: bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, postural instability (UK PD Brain Bank Criteria) (Affected subjects only). * Montreal Cognitive Assessment will be employed to determine whether subjects will need the assent of a legally authorized representative. Subjects with MOCA ≤ 21 will be consented only with the assent of the subject and informed consent of the authorized legal representative (Affected subjects only). * These may include subjects who may have indeterminate parkinsonism, when it is not clear whether they have idiopathic Parkinson's Disease versus one of the Atypical Parkinsonisms, such as Vascular Parkinsonism, Multiple System Atrophy, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus or Corticobasal Degeneration (Affected subjects only). * Subjects with assistive devices will be eligible for the study and may use them during the study (Affected subjects only). * Absence of complaints regarding difficulty walking such as arthritic pain, fatigue during walking or slowness of walking (Healthy subjects only). Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of alternative explanation for parkinsonism such as head trauma, drug-induced parkinsonism (affected subjects only). * Currently being treated for major medical illness requiring recent hospitalization (\<14 days) (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Currently participating in another clinical study with an intervention arm (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Inability to consent due to cognitive impairment and absence of legally authorized representative (for both healthy and affected subjects). * Subjects with any cardiac, pulmonary conditions (congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the past 90 days, recent myocardial infarction \< 90 days, supplemental oxygen-requiring subjects due to cardiac or pulmonary conditions) that limit their ability to safely participate in a walking trial (for both healthy and affected subjects).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Clinical Research Center BIDMC
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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