Virtual reality sheds light on why Parkinson's patients suddenly freeze

NCT ID NCT05103384

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study used virtual reality to recreate situations that cause freezing of gait in people with Parkinson's disease who have a deep brain stimulator. Fifteen participants walked through a virtual home and grocery store while their brain signals were recorded. The goal was to better understand what happens in the brain during freezing episodes, which could improve how DBS devices are programmed in the future.

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 help doctors better understand and program deep brain stimulation to reduce freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease.

What could go wrong

This was a small, early-stage study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It aimed to understand the problem, not test a new treatment.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States