Vitznau

Researchers are investigating the neural mechanisms involved in movement among people with Parkinsons Disease PD to better understand gait patterns and inspire personalized treatments. This observational study compares brain activity during walking and seated stepping tasks between healthy individuals and PD patients. The study aims to identify neural biomarkers linked to gait by examining characteristic brain oscillations in both groups. Participants include 60 adults 30 healthy controls divided by age group under and over 45 years and 30 PD patients with postural instability and gait difficulties. All participants undergo a single 2.5-hour session involving standardized gait sequences and a seated lower limb motor task. Neural activity is recorded using EEG in all participants, and PD patients additionally have signals recorded from implanted deep brain stimulation DBS electrodes. A neuromodulation task is also explored in PD patients. During the session, movement parameters such as gait symmetry, coordination, variability, and resilience are measured using motion capture, electromyography EMG, and accelerometers. Electroencephalography and local field potentials from DBS electrodes capture brain activity. Researchers assess cortical activity underlying movement and compare it between healthy and PD participants. The study includes detailed motor tasks and short-term neuromodulation, with all recording devices being market-approved.

Researchers are evaluating a high-dose, high-intensity HDHI neurorehabilitation program for adults who have experienced a stroke. This study is part of the SwissNeuroRehab initiative, which aims to develop and test innovative, technology-supported rehabilitation models across Switzerland. The focus is on understanding the feasibility and early effects of this program when delivered in real-world clinical settings during both subacute and chronic stages of stroke recovery. Participants will engage in a tailored HDHI therapy pathway using CE-marked digital neurorehabilitation devices, such as MindMotion GO and Izar. The program spans inpatient rehabilitation lasting 4 to 6 weeks and outpatient home-based care for 8 to 12 weeks. Participants are expected to complete about one hour of active, device-assisted training five days a week, in addition to their standard rehabilitation care. Clinical teams trained in the HDHI protocol will supervise and support participants throughout the process. During the study, participants will undergo standardized clinical assessments and report outcomes at the start, end, and follow-up visits up to 12 to 15 months after enrollment. Researchers will monitor adherence to the training schedule, participant satisfaction, and various functional measures such as motor ability, balance, walking tests, and independence in daily activities. Socioeconomic impacts will also be assessed through surveys and cost data. The overall study duration includes up to 18 weeks of intervention with extended follow-up for outcomes and feasibility evaluation.