Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

SMART-PD: Evaluating the Impact of Smartphone-Based Wearable Technology on Motor Symptoms and Quality of Life in People With Parkinson's Disease

This study, called SMART-PD, explores if wearable technology like smartwatches can help people with Parkinson's disease manage their movement problems better. Many people with Parkinson's find their symptoms change a lot during the day, making it hard for doctors to get a full picture. This trial will give 32 people with Parkinson's either their usual care or their usual care plus a smartwatch and app (KinesiaU). The smartwatch tracks movement continuously, aiming to provide doctors with more detailed information. This could lead to more personalised and timely treatment adjustments, potentially improving daily life and overall well-being for those with Parkinson's. The study will last four weeks and will check how well the technology works and if it helps people manage their condition.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Western University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2029

Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain and can make it harder for people to move. Symptoms often include shaking, slow movements, and stiffness. A big challenge for people with Parkinson's is that their symptoms can change quite a lot throughout the day. One moment they might feel fine, and the next they might struggle to move.

This daily change in symptoms, often called motor fluctuations, makes it difficult for both patients and their doctors to keep the condition well-managed. Currently, keeping track of symptoms often involves writing notes in a diary or waiting until the next doctor's appointment. These methods don't always capture the full picture of how someone is feeling and moving every day, which means treatments might not always be perfectly suited to what a person needs.

This study aims to see if a special smartwatch and mobile app, called KinesiaU, can help. The smartwatch continuously tracks a person's movements and sends this information to the app. This means doctors could get much more detailed and up-to-date information about how someone's symptoms are changing throughout the day. The goal is that with this better information, doctors can make more precise and timely adjustments to treatment, potentially leading to better control of symptoms and an improved quality of life for people with Parkinson's.

Key takeaways

This study uses smartwatches to track Parkinson's symptoms.
It aims to help doctors better understand and manage daily symptom changes.
Participants will either receive standard care or standard care plus a smartwatch.
The study lasts for four weeks.
Results could lead to more personalised Parkinson's treatment.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and experience noticeable changes in your movement symptoms throughout the day. It's important that you are able to use a smartwatch and a mobile app, and can understand and speak English well enough to follow instructions and enter information.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other conditions that cause Parkinson's-like symptoms, or if it's very difficult for you to use a smartwatch for physical reasons, you wouldn't be able to take part.

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.

Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?
Do your movement symptoms change a lot during the day?
Can you easily use a smartwatch and a mobile app?
Are you able to speak and understand English?
Are you 40 years old or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be part of it for four weeks. You will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will continue with their usual medical care. The other group will also continue with their usual medical care but will additionally use a special smartwatch and app (KinesiaU). If you are in the smartwatch group, you will need to wear the device for at least five days a week. During this time, the study team will check your motor function (how you move), your quality of life, and how you manage your condition. There will be assessments to measure these things at the start and end of the four-week period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer personal benefits by helping your doctor get a more detailed understanding of your Parkinson's symptoms, potentially leading to better-tailored treatment. It could also contribute to improving care for all people with Parkinson's in the future. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to any minor discomfort from wearing a smartwatch or the time investment required. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

London Health Sciences Center.London ,Ontario
Verified postcode
London, Canada
London Health Sciences Center
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What is 'motor fluctuations'?

Motor fluctuations mean your Parkinson's symptoms, especially movement, can change quite a lot throughout the day – sometimes you feel better, other times worse.

What is KinesiaU?

KinesiaU is the name of the smartwatch and mobile app being used in this study to track movement and symptoms.

How long does the study last?

The study runs for a period of four weeks.

Will my doctor get the information from the smartwatch?

Yes, if you're in the smartwatch group, the information collected will be used to help your doctors make decisions about your treatment.

Can I leave the study early if I want to?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

deepa dash

deepa.dash@lhsc.on.ca 15196633187 Official trial record

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