Exploring the Possible Beneficial Impact of Non-invasive and Invasive Neuromodulation on Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease During Different Ambulatory Complexities: An Electrophysiological and fMRI Study

Launched by CHINA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jul 11, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how different types of brain stimulation might help improve a troubling symptom of Parkinson's disease known as freezing of gait (FOG). FOG can make it feel like a person is stuck in place and unable to walk, especially during tasks that are more complicated than just walking straight, like turning. The researchers want to understand why this happens and how they can measure it better, as current methods aren’t very effective.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 20 and 90 years old and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. You should also be experiencing difficulties with movement that aren’t fully managed by your current medications. The trial is open to both men and women and is currently looking for volunteers. If you join, you can expect to undergo brain stimulation treatments and various assessments to see how these methods may help with your walking difficulties. This research could contribute to finding better ways to manage FOG in Parkinson's patients in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients meet the diagnosis of PD based on the established consensus criteria
• • 2. Age above 20 years old and below 90 years
• • 3. For MRgFUS patients: a. At least one of the 3 cardinal symptoms (akinesia, tremor, rigidity) reaches an intensity of at least 2/4. b. Parkinsonian symptoms cannot be satisfactorily controlled by optimal pharmacological treatment including L-dopa and other antiparkinsonian drugs. c. stable medication for PD ≥ 30 days.
• • 4. DBS patients must meet Taiwan Health Insurance criteria: PD duration exceeding 5 years, positive response to levodopa (≥33% UPDRS motor score improvement), and presence of motor complications (e.g., wearing off, on-off, levodopa-related dyskinesia, or medically intractable tremor).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Congestive heart failure (Functional III or above) or advanced cancer with distant metastasis.
• • 2. PD at Hoehn and Yahr Stage 5.
• • 3. DBS exclusion criteria: overt dementia or major depression.