Physiotherapy and Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most commonly performed surgical treatment for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). DBS typically works best to lessen motor symptoms such as stiffness, slowness, and tremor. Despite an overall improvement of these motor symptoms with DBS, past research failed to show an increase in community mobility and have often reported an increase in falling after surgery. The ability to move around on one's own is important for functional independence and improved quality of life. There is growing evidence supporting the positive effects of physiotherapy on individuals with PD. Gait and balance training, in particular, can improve mobility and also prevent falls. So far, no study has shown the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients receiving DBS.The purpose of this study is to determine if DBS combined with physiotherapy is effective for improving safe independent mobility in individuals with PD, more so than with patients receiving DBS alone.
Research Team
Alfonso Fasano, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Toronto
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 with Parkinson's Disease who are candidates for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery and can consent to participate. It excludes those already in physiotherapy, with orthopedic issues affecting mobility, or severe cognitive deficits (MoCA score <17).Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
DBS Surgery and Optimization
Participants undergo DBS surgery and optimization of DBS settings
Treatment
Participants in the physiotherapy group receive gait and balance focused physiotherapy for 8 weeks, while the control group receives no intervention
Post-intervention Assessment
All participants undergo assessments to evaluate the effects of the intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Physiotherapy
Deep Brain Stimulation is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Essential tremor
- Parkinson's disease
- Dystonia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
- Stroke-related motor deficits (under investigation)
- Essential tremor
- Parkinson's disease
- Dystonia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
- Essential tremor
- Parkinson's disease
- Dystonia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Toronto
Lead Sponsor