Tackling Anxiety-related Freezing of Gait in People With Parkinson's Disease

Launched by RADBOUD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Mar 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how personalized strategies can help reduce freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson's Disease who experience anxiety. Freezing of gait is when a person feels like their feet are glued to the floor, often triggered by stress or anxiety. The study aims to see if addressing these feelings can make it easier for participants to walk without freezing.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 18 years old and diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease, which means the cause of their condition is unknown. They should also experience daily episodes of freezing that get worse when they feel anxious. Participants must be on a stable dose of Parkinson's medication and able to give informed consent. Throughout the study, participants can expect to work with researchers who will provide support and monitor their progress. It's important to note that individuals with significant other health issues affecting their ability to walk, or those with severe cognitive difficulties, cannot join the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Men/women of age \> 18 years with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, as diagnosed by the UK Brain Bank Criteria;
• • Presence of daily FOG (as objectified with the new-freezing of gait questionnaire), that is related to anxiety (positive answer to the question: Does FOG occur -or get worse when you are anxious or stressed?);
• • Using a stable dose of PD medication and stability of DBS settings (if applicable) during the trial. Adjustments of PD medication and DBS settings during the trial are allowed if deemed clinically necessary.
• • Written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any comorbidity (i.e. neurological, orthopedic) that significantly impacts gait.
• • Severe cognitive impairment hampering the ability to comply to the study protocol.