CompletedNot ApplicableObservational

Clinical validation of a mobility monitor to measure and predict health outcomes

Being able to move around easily is vital for staying independent, but conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hip fractures can make walking difficult. Doctors usually test mobility during short hospital visits, which may not show how someone manages at home. The Mobilise-D study is exploring whether a lightweight digital monitor, worn on a belt around the waist, can give a clearer picture of everyday movement. Over two years, researchers want to see if tracking daily walking speed and step length can help predict health changes and guide better treatments. Taking part involves five appointments over 24 months. At each visit, you will complete some health checks and walking exercises, then wear the sensor at home for seven days. The study does not involve any new medicines.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

2,400

Start

12 Apr 2021

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), proximal femoral fracture (PFF)

What is this study about?

Walking and moving around easily are essential parts of everyday life and personal independence. As we grow older, or when living with long-term health conditions, our mobility can slowly change. At present, doctors and nurses usually assess walking through quick, one-off tests in a clinic room or through paper questionnaires. These snapshots do not always capture how well a person walks in their own home or community.

To solve this, researchers have developed a small, lightweight device that clips around the waist. It measures real-life movement, such as how fast you walk, how steady your steps are, and how much you move during a normal day. This trial aims to prove that digital monitors can accurately measure mobility across four different health conditions: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, COPD, and recovery after a broken hip.

By gathering this information over two years, the research team hopes to show that wearable sensors can help doctors spot problems earlier, tailor treatments to each person's needs, and support the development of better healthcare programmes across the NHS.

Key takeaways

Tests a small wearable waist monitor to track real-world walking and mobility.
Open to adults with Parkinson’s, MS, COPD, or a recent hip fracture.
Involves five 3-hour hospital visits over two years, with walking and balance checks.
Participants wear a lightweight sensor at home for seven days after each visit.
Does not test any new drugs or change your standard medical care.
Taking part is voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You may be eligible for this study if you are an adult living with one of four conditions: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if you have had surgery for a broken hip in the past year.

To take part, you must be able to walk at least 4 metres on your own, although it is completely fine to use a walking stick or frame. You also need to be comfortable wearing a small sensor on a belt around your waist for one week at a time, and be willing to attend study appointments over a two-year period.

There are a few specific guidelines for each condition. For example, people with COPD should have a smoking history and have had stable symptoms for at least four weeks. People recovering from a broken hip must be aged 45 or older. Your doctor or the study team can help confirm if your specific medical history fits the 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.

I am aged 18 or older (or aged 45+ if recovering from a hip fracture).
I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, MS, COPD, or had hip fracture surgery in the last 12 months.
I can walk at least 4 metres independently (walking sticks or frames are allowed).
I am comfortable wearing a small sensor around my waist for 7 days at a time.
I am able to attend appointments every six months for two years.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts for 24 months (two years) in total. You will attend a first clinic visit, followed by four follow-up visits spaced six months apart. Each appointment takes around three hours.

During each visit, researchers will check basic health details like height, weight, and blood pressure. You will fill out questionnaires about your daily life, mood, and any pain or tiredness. You will also do some gentle physical checks, such as balance exercises, grip strength tests, and a six-minute walking test, with plenty of time to rest.

At the end of each clinic visit, you will be given the small sensor to wear around your waist during the day for the next seven days while you go about your normal routine. You then return the device. There are no changes to your usual medications or medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly cure or treat your condition, but your involvement will help scientists develop better tools to support mobility care for others in the future. The physical risks are very low, though you may feel tired during or after the walking tests. You will be encouraged to take rests whenever you need them. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to stop at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your standard NHS care.

Locations (14)

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Sheffield, England
Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England
The Foundation For Medical Research Infrastructural Development And Health Services
City only
Tel Aviv, Israel
Christian-Albrechts-Universität
Approximate
Kiel, Germany
University Hospitals Leuven
Unverified
Leuven, Belgium
Institut De Salut Global
Unverified
Barcelona, Spain
Pneumologisches Forschungsinstitut an der LungenClinic
Unverified
Großhansdorf, Germany
Universität Zürich
Unverified
Zürich, Switzerland
Thorax Foundation
Unverified
Athens, Greece
Universitätsklinikum Erlangen
Unverified
Erlangen, Germany
St. Olavs hospital
Unverified
Trondheim, Norway

Common questions

Will taking part change my current medication?

No. This is an observational study looking at how you move. You will continue to take your normal prescribed medications just as you usually do.

Does the wearable monitor track where I go?

No. The device measures movement patterns such as your steps, walking speed, and balance. It does not track your location or use GPS.

Is the waist sensor uncomfortable to wear?

The monitor is small and lightweight. It is worn on a soft elasticated belt around your waist, under or over your clothes, and is designed to be worn comfortably during your normal daily routine.

What happens if I get tired during a clinic appointment?

The study visits are designed with comfort in mind. You can take breaks to sit down and rest at any point, and you can stop any walking test whenever you feel you need to.

Do I have to pay to take part?

No, taking part is free. The study team can provide information on whether help is available with travel expenses to and from your appointments.

How to find out more

Isabel Neatrour

isabel.neatrour@newcastle.ac.uk +44 (0)191 2081406 Official trial record

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