Effects of Biofeedback Footwear in Parkinson's Disease: Assessment of Functional Motor Abilities and Locomotion

Launched by IRCCS NATIONAL NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE "C. MONDINO" FOUNDATION · Jun 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether special shoes designed to give extra feedback to the feet can help improve walking and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. The study aims to compare how participants walk and perform daily activities when wearing these special shoes, regular shoes, and when going barefoot. It will also check the effects of wearing the special shoes for four weeks to see if there are lasting improvements in their movement and stability.

To participate in this study, individuals must have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and be in certain stages of the condition, specifically stages II to IV, which relate to the severity of symptoms. Participants will receive a thorough neurological check-up, and their walking and balance will be assessed through various tests. It's important to note that individuals with other significant neurological or psychiatric conditions, certain medical implants, or specific health issues won't be eligible to join. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, so there's no immediate action needed, but it represents a promising opportunity to explore new ways to support mobility in people with Parkinson's disease.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, according to the clinical diagnostic criteria of the Movement Disorders Society (Postuma RB, 2015);
• • Hoehn \& Yahr between II and IV;
• • Stable medical therapy since at least one month before enrollment
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Concomitant diagnosis of other neurological or psychiatric disorders that may influence study assessments.;
• • MMSE score \<24;
• • Patients with DBS implant or on DuoDopa therapy;
• • Presence of relevant musculoskeletal or orthopedic pathologies;
• • Presence of relevant internal or vascular pathologies.