The Influence of Vibrotactile Stimulation on Self-selected Walking Speed in People With Parkinson's Disease

NCT07308418 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2025-01560
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The study tests whether a smart shoe (NUSHU) that provides vibrotactile stimulation can improve walking speed in people with Parkinson's disease. Sixteen participants complete two short walking tests-with and without vibration-to compare gait speed, cadence, stride length, usability, and safety. It is a low-risk pilot study meant to generate first evidence for future research.

Conditions

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

Keywords

Parkinson's Disease; Gait analysis; Vibrotactile feedback

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in self-selected walking speed (m/s)

  Change in self-selected walking speed (m/s), measured over a 2-minute walking test with and without stimulation by the NUSHU. Walking speed is measured in m/s as a continuous metric variable, which is an objective and established way of measuring walking speed. The calculation is performed by dividing the total distance covered by the time in seconds (120 seconds).

  Once during 120 seconds

• Change in self-selected gait speed

  One visit of 45 minutes

Study Arms (1)

Vibrotactile feedback while walking

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Device: Vibrotactile feedback during walking

Interventions

Vibrotactile feedback during walking DEVICE

NUSHU smart shoes give real time gait feedback during walking.

Vibrotactile feedback while walking

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• A medically confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease on the physiotherapy prescription.
• Stable medication for at least four weeks (no change in dopaminergic therapy).
• The ability to walk at least 200 metres without stopping.
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Sufficient knowledge of German to understand the study information and complete the questionnaires.
• Written informed consent form

You may not qualify if:

• Atypical or secondary Parkinsonism
• Sensory disturbances in the feet (e.g. polyneuropathy).
• Other neurological, orthopaedic or internal medical conditions that significantly affect walking
• Cognitive impairments that interfere with understanding the study information or following instructions

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Magnes AG: lead

Study Sites (1)

Magnes AG

Zurich, Canton of Zurich, 8005, Switzerland

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Parkinsonian Disorders; Basal Ganglia Diseases; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Movement Disorders; Synucleinopathies; Neurodegenerative Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Romina Willi

CONTACT

+41442234873; research@magnes.ch

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: INDUSTRY
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 1, 2025
• First Posted: December 29, 2025
• Study Start: January 10, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion: May 1, 2026
• Last Updated: March 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CH (1)