RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Objective Mobility Assessment Using Wearable Technology for Clinical Application in Parkinson's Disease: From Validation to Fall Prediction

This research is looking at special smart socks, called DANU, which are designed to measure movement. The main goal is to see how accurately these socks can assess walking and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will compare the information from the DANU socks with professional equipment used in laboratories. They also want to understand if the data from these socks can help predict who might be at a higher risk of falling. This study doesn't involve any new treatments; it's purely about testing how well this technology works for keeping an eye on mobility in Parkinson's.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

08 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Parkinson Disease(PD)

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how a new piece of technology, called DANU smart socks, could help people living with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's can often affect how someone walks and balances, which can sometimes lead to falls. Devices that can accurately track these movements in everyday life could be very helpful for doctors and patients alike.

The DANU smart socks have tiny sensors built into them that can gather lots of information about how you move. While these socks are currently used in sports, researchers want to see if they can be just as helpful for people with Parkinson's. The study will carefully check if the measurements from the socks are correct by comparing them to very precise laboratory equipment, which is considered the 'gold standard' for measuring movement.

Ultimately, researchers hope to show that these smart socks can provide reliable information. This information might not only help doctors better understand a patient's movement, but also potentially identify those who might be at a higher risk of falling, allowing for earlier support or interventions. This is an 'observational' study, meaning you won't be given any new medication or treatment; the focus is solely on testing the socks.

Key takeaways

The study tests smart socks (DANU) for measuring movement in Parkinson's.
It aims to validate the socks' accuracy and potential to predict falls.
It's an observational study; no new treatments are involved.
Participation involves two visits to Northumbria University for walking and balance tests.
Helps improve future understanding and care for people with Parkinson's.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease from a specialist doctor here in the UK. Your Parkinson's should be at an early to moderate stage, meaning you're generally independent with your movement.

Please note, you must be able to visit Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne for two study appointments. You also need to be able to walk and stand on your own without help for at least two minutes at a time.

You wouldn't be able to join if you have other neurological conditions besides Parkinson's, such as having had a stroke or multiple sclerosis. Also, if you've had a significant injury to your legs or feet in the last six weeks, or if you have certain memory or thinking problems, you wouldn't be eligible for this study.

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.

Do I have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease by a UK specialist?
Is my Parkinson's at an early to moderate stage (Hoehn & Yahr I-III)?
Can I travel to Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne for two appointments?
Can I walk and stand on my own without assistance for at least 2 minutes?
Do I have any other significant neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, MS)?
Have I had any significant leg or foot injuries in the last 6 weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to visit Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne for two separate appointments. During your first visit, you'll have some standard assessments related to your Parkinson's, memory, and how confident you feel about avoiding falls. Then, you'll wear the DANU smart socks and perform various walking and balance tests. These tests will include walking for two minutes, walking along a pathway a few times, and a 'Timed Up and Go' test (where you stand up, walk a short distance, turn, walk back, and sit down). You'll also do some balance exercises for about two minutes.

During your second visit, which will be scheduled after the first, you'll repeat the same set of walking and balance tests while wearing the smart socks. This helps the researchers see if the measurements are consistent over time. The study does not involve taking any new medications or having long-term follow-up beyond the two visits. Each visit will typically last a few hours.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study doesn't involve any medical treatments, so there are no direct medical risks. The main inconveniences might be the time taken for the visits and the effort involved in performing the walking and balance tasks. You might feel a little tired afterwards. A potential benefit is that your participation helps researchers understand how new technology could improve care for people with Parkinson's in the future. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and it 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· Recruiting

Common questions

What are DANU smart socks?

They are special socks with built-in sensors that measure how you move, walk, and balance. They're currently used in sports, but this study is checking their use for Parkinson's.

Will I receive any new treatment?

No, this study is about testing the DANU smart socks, not about giving any new medication or treatment for Parkinson's disease.

How many times do I need to visit?

You will need to attend two separate appointments at Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

What kind of tests will I do?

You'll do walking and balance exercises, like walking for a few minutes or standing up and sitting down, while wearing the smart socks.

Will this study help me directly?

While it won't directly treat your Parkinson's, your participation will help scientists understand how technology can improve care and potentially predict falls for people with Parkinson's in the future.

How to find out more

Gabriella R Gatti, BSc

gabriella.gatti@northumbria.ac.uk 01912273343 Official trial record

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