Hypokinetic gait disorder and Freezing of Gait (FOG) are frequent symptoms in the advanced stage of Parkinson's disease (PD). These impair quality of life and significantly increase the risk of falls. External movement pacemakers have been developed to improve gait and avert FOG by cueing strategies. The investigators developed a smart, small and lightweight, easy-to-handle wearable tactile cueing device (TCD), consisting of a control unit, two pulse generators and a battery-driven power supply. The device is programmed via a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
Each participant receives an individual training on how to use the Tactile Cueing Device and the set-up of the TCD will be done according to the results of a 10MWT and the participant's preferences. Gait assessments with an activated or deactivated TCD are executed using the Timed Up and Go test, the 2-Minute Waling test and a treadmill (C-Mill). Also a long-term test run of the TCD during one day is planned.
Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht AG
Zihlschlacht, Thurgau, Switzerland
RECRUITINGSetup cueing device
Time needed for the setup \[in seconds\] and the variations of the different setup parameters (cueing length \[seconds\], cueing strength \[% of maximum\], cueing cadence \[count/minutes\]) between the days of usage. Overall descriptive summary of the variation between the different setup parameters during the days of usage.
Time frame: 2 weeks
System Usability Scale
Items defined by the System Usability Scale: 5-point Likert scale ('strongly disagree' to 'strongly agree').
Time frame: 2 weeks
Usability
Usability of the cueing device is measured by a self-developed questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Acceptance
Acceptance is measured by a self-developed questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Frequency using the device
How often the device is used (counts logging protocol).
Time frame: 2 weeks
Walking speed [meters/second]
Calculated by the assessments 10 meter walk test and 2-minute walk test.
Time frame: 1 week
Cadence [steps/minute]
Number during 10 meter walk test. Also measured by a system of movement analysis (C-Mill MOTEK).
Time frame: 1 week
Walking distance [in meters]
Measured by a digital measuring wheel during 2-minute walk test. Also measured by a system of movement analysis (C-Mill MOTEK).
Time frame: 1 week
Step length right/left [in meters]
Measured by a system of movement analysis (C-Mill MOTEK).
Time frame: 1 week
Initial step latency [in seconds]
Extracted from video documentation by a blinded rater.
Time frame: 1 week
Number of FOG
Extracted from video documentation by a blinded rater.
Time frame: 1 week
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.