Brain zap study reveals how DBS rewires walking in Parkinson's
NCT ID NCT06911229
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates how deep brain stimulation (DBS) influences the brain's ability to adapt walking patterns and reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants walk on a split-belt treadmill (one belt faster than the other) with their DBS turned on and off, while off medication. Researchers measure how quickly and completely step length adjusts, aiming to understand the brain circuits involved. The goal is to improve DBS therapy for better mobility.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- deep brain stimulation (DBS) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal how DBS affects walking and freezing episodes, potentially guiding better DBS settings to improve mobility.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational, early-stage study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all Parkinson's patients. It measures brain activity and walking patterns, not a new treatment.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Florida
RECRUITINGGainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
Contact
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