Can brain signals predict freezing episodes in Parkinson's?
NCT ID NCT07748962
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates how brain signals relate to freezing of gait and balance problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants, who already have a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device, will walk in a virtual reality home-like environment while their brain activity is recorded. Researchers will test different DBS settings to see how they affect walking and freezing episodes. The goal is to better understand the brain mechanisms behind these symptoms and potentially improve DBS therapy.
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) with temporarily adjusted settings
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help tailor DBS settings to better prevent freezing of gait and improve balance in Parkinson's disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study (5 participants) focused on understanding brain signals, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to all patients, and temporary DBS adjustments carry risks like worsening symptoms.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 5 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 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.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * You have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease * You already have a deep brain stimulation (DBS) device implanted as part of your medical care - specifically, the Medtronic Percept DBS device * Your DBS settings have been stable for at least 3 months * You experience freezing of gait (sudden inability to move your feet when trying to walk) * You are able to walk on your own for at least 10 minutes without assistance * You are willing to temporarily stop your Parkinson's medications and have your DBS settings adjusted for study testing * You are able to understand the study and provide consent to participate Exclusion Criteria: * You have a neurological condition other than Parkinson's disease (such as stroke or multiple sclerosis) * You have been diagnosed with dementia or have difficulty understanding the study or giving consent * You currently have alcohol or substance abuse problems * You have hearing or vision problems that would make it difficult to use a virtual reality headset * You have any medical or mental health condition that, in the opinion of the study doctor, would make it unsafe or difficult for you to participate
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
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- Brain scans probe why some Parkinson's patients freeze Mid-Step