Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Retraining Gait in Parkinson's Disease Via a Personalised App

Parkinson's disease can make walking difficult and increase the risk of falls, impacting daily life and confidence. Traditionally, physiotherapists might use a beeping device to help people regulate their walking, but this can be boring. This study investigates a new smartphone app called CuePD, which uses personalised music to make walking exercises more enjoyable and effective. The app works by helping people keep a steady walking rhythm. Researchers want to understand how people with Parkinson's use CuePD at home and when out and about for 12 weeks, and if it helps them walk better and lower their fall risk. This could offer a new, accessible way to manage walking difficulties.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder)

What is this study about?

For people living with Parkinson's disease, everyday activities like walking can become challenging. This is because Parkinson's can affect how you move, making your gait (the way you walk) less steady and increasing your chance of falling. Falls can lead to injuries, make you feel less confident, and stop you from doing things you enjoy, like going to the shops or visiting friends. Improving walking and preventing falls is a top priority for charities like Parkinson's UK.

Traditionally, a physiotherapist might help improve walking by using a device that makes a regular beeping sound, asking you to step in time with it. While this can be helpful, the repetitive beeping isn't always engaging. Today's smartphones are very clever; they have sensors that can accurately measure how you walk and can also play music. This study focuses on a new smartphone app, called CuePD, that uses music to help you with your walking. The app is designed to be more enjoyable because you can use your favourite music to help you keep a good walking rhythm.

The main goal of this research is to see how people with Parkinson's disease use the CuePD app in their daily lives, both at home and when they're out. They'll use the app for 12 weeks. The study wants to find out how much people like using the app and how useful they find it. Scientists also want to see if using CuePD helps improve walking and lowers the risk of falls over time. This could potentially offer a new, more enjoyable, and accessible way to manage walking difficulties associated with Parkinson's.

Key takeaways

A new smartphone app, CuePD, for people with Parkinson's.
Uses personalised music to help improve walking.
Aims to reduce the risk of falls and boost confidence.
Study lasts 12 weeks, using the app at home and out.
Could offer an accessible and enjoyable way to manage walking difficulties.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants need to be able to walk by themselves without help from walking aids. You must also have been diagnosed with a common form of Parkinson's disease (called idiopathic Parkinson's) and be able to use a smartphone.

There are some reasons why someone might not be able to take part. This includes if you use mobility aids like a walking stick, have had a stroke or other brain injury, or have certain other medical conditions. If you don't speak English, don't use a smartphone, or have a very high Body Mass Index (BMI of 35 or above), you also wouldn't be able to join. Finally, if you're already in another research study that might affect the results of this one, or find it difficult to follow study instructions, you may not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Can you walk on your own without a walking stick or frame?
Do you have a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?
Do you regularly use a smartphone?
Have you had any strokes or other serious brain injuries?
Is your Body Mass Index (BMI) below 35?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves using a smartphone app called CuePD for 12 weeks. You'll be asked to use the app in your daily life, both at home and when you're out walking. The researchers will be looking at how you use the app and how it affects your walking. There will likely be initial assessments to check your walking and understanding, and follow-up checks after the 12-week period to see any changes. The total duration of active participation will be around 12 weeks, plus initial screening and final assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially improving your walking and reducing your risk of falls through an enjoyable, personalised music-based app. While direct risks are expected to be low, as it involves using your own smartphone and walking, there could be a small time commitment for using the app and completing assessments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northumbria University
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the CuePD app?

CuePD is a smartphone app designed to help people with Parkinson's improve their walking using personalised music to guide their rhythm.

How long will I need to use the app?

Participants will use the CuePD app for a period of 12 weeks as part of the study.

Do I need my own smartphone?

Yes, to participate in this study, you must own and use a smartphone.

Will I need to visit a clinic?

The information provided suggests the app is for home and community use, but there will likely be initial and final assessments, which may involve clinic visits or remote assessments.

What if I get tired of the music?

The app is designed to be personalised, allowing you to use your preferred music to make the walking exercises more enjoyable.

How to find out more

Alan Godfrey, PhD

alan.godfrey@northumbria.ac.uk 01912273642 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.