OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY :
To determine an effective and usable real-time method for the detection of freezing of gait episodes.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
People with Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait. They should still be able to move around on their own (i.e. without a walker or other aid such as a cane, etc.) but we will of course be there to support them if necessary! They should also be able to walk for 3×10 minutes at a time.
WHO CAN’T PARTICIPATE?
People who have undergone deep brain stimulation or other interventions to reduce the occurrence of freezing episodes.
WHEN?
Between March and the end of April 2023, depending on your availability.
HOW?
These experiments consist of a total of 2 sessions, ideally spread over 2 weeks:
– 1 evaluation session lasting 1h15, during which you will have to participate in several tests in order to evaluate your walking and your balance;
– 1 training session lasting 45 minutes. During this session, you will have to walk for 10 minutes in a row, 3 times under different conditions.
You will receive a financial compensation for your trip with a minimum of 10€.
WHERE?
At the Mounier sports centre; Avenue E. Mounier 87, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
STUDY SUPERVISION ORGANISATION :
UCLouvain and Cliniques Universitaires Saint- Luc
INFO CONTACT :
Juliette Vanderhaeghen, juliette.vanderhaeghen@student.uclouvain.be, 0491/20.18.00
Mélanie Colasse, melanie.colasse@student.uclouvain.be, 0475/23.57.44
MORE INFORMATION/OTHER RESOURCES :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-wrNhyVTNE&t=1s
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Who are you?
We are two UCLouvain civil engineering students. We are both 22 years old and are passionate about the medical aspect of our studies.
How did you come to do a thesis on Parkinson’s disease? Working on this subject was initially a proposal from the university, but it also became an obvious choice, as Parkinson’s disease is incurable. While waiting for a cure to be found, we believe that it is essential to improve the quality of life of patients as much as possible and this is the objective of our thesis!
Why is this study important + how could the results of the study (eventually) impact the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease?
As mentioned above, this study is important to improve the daily lives of patients. Ultimately, the results of the study could help provide on-demand assistance (i.e. only what the patient needs) in real time when an episode of freezing of gait occurs. The aim would be to overcome the episode and make the person as independent as possible, helping them only when necessary.
How does this study give you positive energy?
This study allows us to learn a lot, develops our curiosity and shows us that there is still hope to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s (or other diseases). Technology can offer a lot and as an engineer, we feel we can be helpful by using it to help people.
Something you would like people to understand about research (for Parkinson’s)?
The volunteer may have to shave both legs from the knee down to the ankle so that it is possible to record muscle signals. Our measurement methods are completely painless and non-invasive!
Do you have a favourite motto or suggestion to share?
“If the obstacle is too high, don’t try to get over it, go around it.” This motto reflects our goal. Although there is no cure at the moment, it is always possible to find solutions to help patients.
