Do you have Parkinson’s disease and experience tremor or freezing of gait? Researchers at the University of Alberta are conducting a study to better understand movement patterns and muscle activity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This research will support the development of a smart wearable garment designed to detect movement and provide electrical stimulation to reduce tremor, stiffness, and walking difficulties.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE MOTION PILOT STUDY IN SUPPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SMART GARMENT FOR MOBILITY FUNCTION MONITORING AND ENHANCEMENT
- Run Dates:
- Ongoing
Who is eligible to participate in the study?
- Adults aged 45–80 years
- Individuals with Parkinson’s disease diagnosed by a neurologist
- Able to attend an in-person session at the University of Alberta
- Individuals without Parkinson’s disease may also be eligible as control participants
What is required of the participants?
Your participation will:
- Involve a single in-person movement session and a single hybrid interview session
- approximately 3 hours (2hr movement; 1hr interview) for participants with Parkinson’s disease
- approximately 1 hour for those without Parkinson’s Disease
- In-person movement session:
- Sensors (electromyography and accelerometers) will be placed on your skin to measure muscle activity and movement.
- You will be asked to perform simple walking tasks along a short path, including standing, walking, and turning.
- Participants with Parkinson’s disease will complete these tasks both before and after taking their medication.
- Hybrid interview session
- Complete a one-on-one interview in-person or online about mobility challenges and perspectives on wearable technology
- University:
- University of Alberta; University of Lethbridge
- Contact:
- Maria Sawiak
- msawiak@ualberta.ca
- 780-293-613
- Ethics ID:
- Pro00154139