Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Effect of Beechband on Parkinson's Symptoms

This study is investigating a new device called Beechband for people living with Parkinson's disease. The Beechband is a small device worn on the wrist that provides gentle, short bursts of vibration. While some people have said it helps their symptoms, we need more scientific evidence to understand if it truly makes a difference. This small study aims to see if wearing the Beechband for 6 or 12 weeks can improve movement symptoms and how people feel about their symptoms. Around 60 participants will either wear the device for 12 weeks or wear it for 6 weeks after a period without it. We'll check movement, balance, and daily activities to help decide if a larger study is needed.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

22 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

10 Nov 2026

Parkinson Disease (PD)

What is this study about?

Parkinson's disease can sometimes make everyday movements and balance more challenging. There's a new wristband called the Beechband that gives off gentle, short vibrations. Some people who've tried it feel it helps with their symptoms, but doctors and scientists need to do more research to understand if these reports are accurate and if the device truly has an effect.

This particular study is a 'pilot study', which means it's a smaller, early step to explore whether the Beechband could be helpful. We want to see if people's movement and balance symptoms, as well as how they feel about their symptoms, change after wearing the Beechband for a period of 6 or 12 weeks. We're also trying to work out how big any changes might be and if it's practical to run a much larger study in the future.

It's important to know that this study isn't big enough to prove that the Beechband definitely works or is effective. Instead, it's designed to gather important information that will help us decide if it's worth doing a bigger, more conclusive study down the line. Your participation would be really valuable in helping us understand more about this device.

Key takeaways

This is an early study looking at a vibrating wristband (Beechband) for Parkinson's symptoms.
It aims to see if symptoms change after 6 or 12 weeks of wearing the device.
Participation involves wearing the device for ~6 hours/day and remote video assessments.
The study will help decide if a larger trial is needed, not prove effectiveness.
You can continue your usual Parkinson's treatments throughout the study.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. You also need to be able to take part in online video calls, as these will be used for your assessments.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory problems, or if you've used the Beechband or a similar vibrating wrist device before. We also can't include people who have other neurological conditions affecting memory, pain, or movement, or if you are pregnant. If you have an electronic implant like a pacemaker or a device for deep brain stimulation, you unfortunately cannot take part.

Finally, you need to be able to stand or walk on your own for at least one minute. The study is open to both men and women of all adult ages.

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.

I have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
I can take part in video calls from home.
I haven't used the Beechband or a similar vibrating wrist device before.
I don't have severe memory problems or another neurological condition affecting movement/memory.
I don't have an electronic implant like a pacemaker or deep brain stimulator.
I can stand or walk on my own for at least 1 minute.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, we'll ask you to wear the Beechband for about 6 hours each day during your assigned wearing period. Some people will wear it for 12 weeks from the start, while others will spend the first 6 weeks continuing their usual activities, and then wear the Beechband for the following 6 weeks.

All your check-ups and assessments will be done remotely through video calls. These will happen at the very beginning of the study, and then again after 6 weeks and 12 weeks. During these calls, we'll ask you to do some tasks to check your movement and balance, including a short walking test. You'll also complete some questionnaires about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.

We will also keep track of how often you use the device and if you experience any unexpected or unwanted effects. The total duration of your active participation, including assessments, will be 12 weeks. You'll continue with any usual medications or treatments for Parkinson's disease throughout the study.

Potential risks and benefits

While we hope to learn valuable information from this study, it's important to remember that this is a small, early-stage trial. There's no guarantee that wearing the Beechband will improve your symptoms. However, your participation will help researchers understand if this device shows enough promise to be studied further, which could potentially benefit others with Parkinson's in the future. As for risks, we will be carefully tracking any unexpected or unwanted effects from wearing the device. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Exeter
Verified postcode
Exeter, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the Beechband?

The Beechband is a wrist-worn device that provides gentle, short vibrations. This study aims to see if it can help with Parkinson's symptoms.

How long will I need to wear the device?

You'll be asked to wear the device for about 6 hours each day. Depending on which group you're in, this will be for either 6 or 12 weeks.

Will I have to visit a clinic?

No, all assessments for this study will be done remotely using video calls, so you can take part from home.

Will this study prove if the Beechband works?

No, this is a small 'pilot' study designed to see if a bigger study is needed. It won't give a final answer on whether the Beechband is effective.

Can I continue my usual Parkinson's medication?

Yes, you should continue all your usual medications and treatments for Parkinson's disease throughout the study.