Research on Parkinson's and Sensors

Freezing (hereafter referred to as "freezing") and balance problems are common among people with Parkinson's disease. We know that freezing often occurs when turning or walking through a doorway. Current technology cannot accurately recognize or predict this. With this research, we aim to create a computer model to recognize and predict freezing when people are at home. Additionally, we hope to use this new knowledge to develop new treatments. Therefore, we are looking for people with Parkinson's disease who can help us by sharing their daily experiences.

The study is called FOG@HOME. FOG stands for "freezing of gait", while @HOME indicates that the sensors can be used in people's homes.

What are we working on?

There is a lot of interest in using sensors (measuring devices) to monitor Parkinson's disease and movements in daily life. With this research, the University of Twente, in collaboration with Radboud University, aims to investigate whether sensors can recognize and predict freezing of gait and balance problems in people with Parkinson's disease.

You will come to our campus in Enschede for one visit, which will last about 5 hours. After that, there will be some measurements taken at your home.

• Research in Enschede: If you are taking Parkinson's medication, we ask you to postpone the first dose of that day. This helps us get a clear picture of your Parkinson's symptoms. To ensure you don't go too long without medication, we always schedule the research in the morning. During the study, you will wear sensors that collect information about your movements as well as your heart rate. The research takes place in a space designed to resemble a home.
  First, we will ask you a series of questions and conduct a few tests. Then, we will engage you in some daily activities, such as getting out of bed, preparing breakfast, and walking a short distance. After this, you can take your medication. We will repeat all the activities to observe any differences. The research will be recorded on video.
  
  
• Research at your home: At home, you will wear a sensor on your ankle and insoles with motion sensors for one week. These devices will gather information about your movements. You will also use an app on your mobile phone to log instances when you experience freezing. 
  
  
• At the end of the research: We will visit your home to discuss the research findings with you, and all the equipment will be collected at that time.

Who can participate and when? 

If you have Parkinson's disease and experience freezing at least twice a day, you may be eligible to participate. Unsure if you are experiencing freezing? Check out the video.

If you’re uncertain about joining this project, feel free to sign up; one of the researchers will review your situation with you to see if you can participate.

Extra information

Your travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

Meet the researchers 

sign up 

Thank you for your interest in signing up for the Parkinson's and sensors project. Please fill in your details below, and the researcher will contact you.

• Participation in scientific research is always voluntary. 
• When you sign up for a study, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. This email will inform you when to expect further contact from the researcher.
• The researcher will then reach out to provide more details about the study and answer any questions you may have.
• After speaking with the researcher, you can confirm whether you’d like to participate by completing a "Consent Form."
• Once you give your consent, you’ll receive a copy of the consent form.
• An ethics committee has reviewed this study and given a positive recommendation, meaning that the research is conducted with scientific rigor and in accordance with participants' rights.
• Your contact information will only be used as you have specified. We share this information solely with the researcher of the study in which you wish to participate. If you have indicated that you would like to stay informed about new research opportunities, you will receive updates no more than once per month. Should this frequency change, we will contact you first. Please read here for more information on how we handle personal data.