Evaluating the DANU Smart Socks for Walking and Balance in Parkinsons Disease and Healthy Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore the use of DANU Smart Socks for assessing walking and balance in people with Parkinsons disease PwP. The study compares gait and balance data from PwP and healthy individuals of similar age to see if these measurements relate to Parkinsons symptoms such as disease progression and cognitive function. It is an observational study involving one laboratory visit. Participants include people diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and healthy age-matched controls, all aged 50 or older. During the visit, participants complete clinical and cognitive tests including the Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, and Falls Efficacy Scale. Movement is assessed using the DANU system alongside APDM Mobility Lab through tasks like a 2-Minute Walk Test, walkway trials, Timed Up and Go, and balance tasks. Participants attend one visit where clinical scales, cognitive tests, and mobility assessments are conducted. Researchers collect detailed gait and balance outcomes such as stride length, step time, cadence, ground contact time, and range of motion in one session. These data help understand links between walking patterns and Parkinsons symptoms. The study ends after this single visit, with no long-term follow-up described.

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