WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THE STUDY?

Oculomotor Control and Gait in Parkinson Disease.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY?

This study will help us to understand how eye movements influence walking in different conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve walking performance.

WHO IS NEEDED?

1) Participants must either be diagnosed with PD OR be healthy with no PD.
2) Healthy participants must not have any neurological problems such as a history of stroke, seizures or movement disorders like tremors or tics.
3) Participants with PD may not have a history of other neurological problems besides PD such as stroke.
4) All participants must be able and willing to walk without physical support from another individual (use of a cane or walker is allowed).
5) All subjects must not have any other serious systemic health problems such as cancer, kidney failure, etc.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IF I PARTICIPATE?

Duration: This study involves having a neurological exam and performing various eye movement and walking tasks (for example, walking forward, walking in circles, turning in place, walking on a treadmill). During movement tasks, your eye and body movements and muscle activity will be recorded using a headband with small video cameras that record eye movements, as well as adhesive reflectors and electrodes that are placed on your skin. You should expect to participate in the study for a minimum of one 2-hour session and may be invited to participate in additional sessions (no more than 10 total).

Tests/Procedures: neurological exam and PD ratings, questionnaires, walking, eye movements, movement analysis, recordings of muscle activity

Risks: Risks will be discussed with volunteers as part of the informed consent process.

Benefits: Participation might help future patients with PD. You would get free feedback on your walking performance and a free examination by a physical therapist.

Compensation: Participants are compensated based on time spent in the study, receiving $25 for each 2-hour session. Participants will be invited to take part in various different portions of the study and may chose to participate in as little as one 2-hour session or as many as 10 sessions.

WHO IS THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (DOCTOR)?

Gammon M. Earhart, PhD, PT

WHERE WILL THE STUDY TAKE PLACE?

Washington University School of Medicine
Contact Information:
Coordinator Name: John Michael Rotello, Research Assistant
Tel: (314) 286-1478 Email: rotelloj@wusm.wustl.edu