AID-FOG: Artificial Intelligence-Driven Freezing of Gait Detection in the Home
This study is about improving how we spot 'Freezing of Gait' (FOG) in people with Parkinson's disease. FOG is a common symptom where people suddenly feel like their feet are stuck, increasing their risk of falling. Currently, checking for FOG often involves watching videos, which takes a lot of time. Our team has created a new technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and small sensors, worn on the body, to automatically detect FOG. We've had good results in the lab, and now we want to see if it works just as well in everyday home settings. We're also using the information gathered to make our AI even better, and explore if it can warn people about FOG as it happens.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're walking, and suddenly, your feet feel glued to the ground, even though you want to move. This feeling, called 'Freezing of Gait' or FOG, is a common and challenging symptom for many people with Parkinson's disease. It can make walking very difficult and unfortunately, increases the chances of having a fall. Doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to understand and detect FOG so they can help people manage it more effectively.
Currently, to figure out how severe someone's FOG is, specialists often have to watch hours of video recordings of them walking. This takes a lot of time and sometimes different specialists might even come to slightly different conclusions. Our team at KU Leuven is trying to make this process easier and more accurate. We've developed a smart computer program, called Artificial Intelligence (AI), that can identify FOG episodes. It does this by using information from small, wearable sensors – like a watch or a fitness tracker – that people wear on their body when they move.
We've already tested this AI technology in a controlled lab setting, and the results were really promising! Now, the main goal of this study is to see how well our AI works in a more natural environment, like your own home. We want to check if it can accurately spot FOG spells while you're going about your daily life. We'll also use the information we collect from this study to make our AI even smarter and more reliable. Finally, we're curious to see if this AI could eventually help detect FOG in real-time, perhaps even giving a warning. This research could be a step towards better tools for managing FOG and improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson's.
Key takeaways
- The study uses AI and wearable sensors to detect 'Freezing of Gait' (FOG) in Parkinson's.
- It aims to test if the AI works well in everyday home settings.
- Participation involves wearing sensors and may include temporarily delaying morning Parkinson's medication.
- Your contribution could help develop better tools for managing FOG in the future.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and able to understand and agree to participate. You should be able to walk short distances (about 10 metres) on your own, even if you use a walking aid like a stick. You also shouldn't be living in a care home or similar facility.
If you have Parkinson's disease, you must have been diagnosed by a neurologist and experience 'Freezing of Gait' (FOG) on most days. For one of the assessment visits, you'll need to be willing to temporarily delay your morning Parkinson's medication. This helps us see how FOG appears without the immediate effect of your usual medication.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had a serious heart event, stroke, or cancer treatment within the last three months, or if you have other conditions that severely affect your walking. If you fall every day, or are currently in another medical study, you would also not be able to participate in this one.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you understand and agree to the study details?
- Can you walk short distances (about 10 metres), even with a walking aid?
- Do you have Parkinson's disease and experience 'Freezing of Gait' almost daily?
- Are you willing to temporarily delay your morning Parkinson's medication for an assessment?
- Do you NOT live in a care facility and haven't had a major health event (like a heart attack or stroke) in the last 3 months?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be asked some non-recorded questions to check if you might be suitable. If you are, you'll then be asked to read and sign a consent form, making sure you fully understand what's involved. The study will involve wearing small sensors, likely on your body, to collect information about your movements. This will happen both during specific walking tests and while you go about your daily life at home. For certain assessments, if you have Parkinson's disease, you'll be asked to temporarily delay your morning anti-Parkinson's medication. The total duration of your participation will be explained in detail, but the main aim is to gather data to improve the AI algorithm for detecting FOG. You won't receive new medications or devices as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesVerified postcodeLeuven, Belgium· Recruiting
- Sports Science and NeurorehabilitationVerified postcodeHamburg, Germany· Not yet recruiting
- Center for the study of movement, cognition and mobilityVerified postcodeTel Aviv, Israel· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is 'Freezing of Gait'?
It's when people with Parkinson's disease suddenly feel like their feet are stuck to the ground, even when they want to walk, which makes moving difficult and increases fall risk.
What are wearable sensors?
These are small devices, like fitness trackers, that you wear on your body to measure your movement and activity.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
It's a smart computer program designed to learn from data and identify patterns, in this case, to spot 'Freezing of Gait' from sensor information.
Will I get any new medication or treatment in this study?
No, this study is only about testing how well our AI can detect 'Freezing of Gait' using sensors, not about new medications or treatments.
What does 'home environment' mean in the study?
It means the researchers want to see if their AI works accurately when you're doing your normal activities in your own home, outside of a clinic or lab.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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