RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Clinical Validity of the DANU Sports System for Gait and Balance Assessment in Parkinson's Disease

This research study aims to test a new technology called DANU Smart Socks. These socks are designed to measure a person's walking and balance. The study wants to see how well these smart socks work for people living with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will compare the walking and balance information collected from people with Parkinson's to that from healthy individuals of a similar age. They also want to find out if the data gathered by the DANU socks can help to understand how Parkinson's symptoms, such as disease progression and thinking abilities, are changing. The study involves just one visit to a laboratory where these measurements will be taken.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Northumbria University

Enrolment target

Start

08 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Parkinson Disease (PD)Healthy (Controls)

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new tool called DANU Smart Socks. These aren't just any socks; they're special 'smart' socks designed to accurately measure things like how you walk and how well you keep your balance. The main goal is to see if these socks can be a helpful way to understand the walking and balance difficulties often experienced by people with Parkinson's disease.

To do this, the researchers will ask two groups of people to take part: individuals who have Parkinson's disease and healthy individuals of a similar age. They will all wear the DANU Smart Socks while doing some simple walking and balance tasks. By comparing the results from both groups, the researchers hope to learn how effectively the socks can pick up on changes related to Parkinson's.

What's particularly interesting is how this information might be used. The study aims to see if the data collected by the DANU socks is connected to other important aspects of Parkinson's, such as how the disease is progressing or how a person's thinking skills are. If successful, this technology could offer a new, more detailed way to monitor symptoms and potentially help improve care for people with Parkinson's in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests new 'smart socks' for measuring walking and balance.
Compares people with Parkinson's and healthy individuals.
Helps understand how Parkinson's affects movement.
Involves only one visit to Northumbria University.
Aims to link sock data to Parkinson's symptoms and thinking abilities.
Could lead to better monitoring tools for Parkinson's.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you generally need to be 50 years old or older. You must also be able to walk and stand on your own for at least two minutes without needing help, and be able to come to Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne for one visit.

If you have Parkinson's disease, your diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a specialist, and your condition should be in the early to mid-stages (specifically, stages I-III on a scale called Hoehn and Yahr). You shouldn't have other serious brain conditions, or major physical problems not related to Parkinson's that could affect your walking, like severe back pain or recent surgery.

Healthy volunteers should not have any history of brain disorders. Similarly, you shouldn't have any major health issues that would make walking difficult, such as serious joint problems.

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.

Are you 50 years old or older?
Can you walk and stand on your own for at least two minutes?
Can you travel to Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne?
If you have Parkinson's, has a specialist diagnosed you, and is it not in very advanced stages?
Do you have good memory and thinking ability (MoCA score 21 or higher, if applicable)?
Do you have any other serious health issues that greatly affect your walking?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll need to attend just one visit at Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne. During this visit, you'll be asked to complete a few questionnaires that help describe your health and memory, such as tests for Parkinson's symptoms, balance confidence, and thinking abilities.

After that, you'll put on the special DANU Smart Socks, and you'll also wear another tracking system called APDM Mobility Lab. You'll then be guided through a series of motor tasks. These tasks include walking for two minutes, walking across a special walkway several times, doing a 'Timed Up and Go' test (where you stand up, walk a short distance, turn, walk back, and sit down), and some balance tasks lasting two minutes. The entire visit will likely take a few hours.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might mean you gain a deeper understanding of Parkinson's research. You'd be helping scientists test technology that could potentially lead to better ways of monitoring Parkinson's symptoms in the future. As for risks, you might feel a bit tired from the physical tasks or from wearing the sensors. The researchers will make sure all tasks are safe and supervised. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary. You can decide not to take part or withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (2)

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
Northumbria University
Verified postcode
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom· Enrolling by invitation

Common questions

What are DANU Smart Socks?

They are special socks with sensors designed to accurately measure how a person walks and keeps their balance.

How many visits do I need to make?

You only need to attend one visit to Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Will this study treat my Parkinson's?

No, this is an observational study. Its goal is to test technology, not to provide treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Will I have to stop my medication?

The study information doesn't mention stopping medication. You should continue your usual treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

What kind of tests will I do?

You'll do some questionnaires, and then wear the smart socks while doing simple walking and balance activities like a 2-minute walk and standing still.

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.