Vibrotactile Foot Device for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Vibrotactile Foot Device for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common, disabling symptom of later stage Parkinson's disease (PD), and can induce significant morbidity and mortality by increasing risk of falls as the disease progresses. Despite optimum medical management and deep brain stimulation therapy, many patients with PD are incapacitated by FOG and gait disorders. Non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation has been reported to potentially improve FOG of patients with PD. However, results of studies were variable, and there is a lack of convenient vibrotactile devices ready for daily use with reliable clinical trial data. In the proposed study, the investigator will test the effect of a newly developed vibrotactile foot device (Smart shoe) on participants diagnosed with PD and FOG. EEG and fMRI are obtained in order to investigate the underlying neurological mechanism.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 30-80 years
• Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease according to MDS Clinical Diagnostic Criteria
• Stable drug therapy without any change in the past one month
• Subjective presence of FOG more than once per day
• Objective presence of FOG by provoking tasks, e.g., gait initiation, rapid full turn, et al.
• Able to walk unaided at least 20 meters
• Provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Stroke and other diseases interfering ambulation
• Severe foot sensory impairments disabling the individual to perceive vibratory stimulation
• History of deep brain stimulation surgery