How to Participate

Thank you for your interest

Current deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems use open-loop or continuous stimulation, which means that stimulation is on all the time at a constant setting that does not change in response to a patient’s real-time state. We are currently studying the feasibility of closed-loop or adaptive stimulation, which responds to Parkinson’s symptoms and movement state in real time. 

We employ the use of unique technology, algorithms, and hardware in order to quantify and monitor the neural and kinematic components of movement.  

The Human Motor Control and Neuromodulation Lab is always looking for motivated individuals to participate in our research studies. Research participants are invited to the Human Motor Control and Neuromodulation Lab at the Stanford Movement Disorders Center located at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center.

Trial number: NCT04043403
The SPRING study aims to investigate the safety and feasibility of closed-loop deep brain stimulation (clDBS) for impaired gait and freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease using the investigational Percept PC system. Research testing occurs over multiple half-days or full days and includes behavioral kinematic tests such as: repetitive alternating finger-tapping task, stepping in place task, and turning-and-barrier course task.

The QDG or Quantitative Digitography study aims to upgrade and validate a portable computerized keyboard for quantifying movement in people who have difficulty with movement and/or symptoms of neurological disease using a finger-tapping task. Research testing occurs over hour long visits at which both healthy controls and participants with PD perform a series of finger-tapping tasks and answer questionnaires.  

We are currently recruiting research participants diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (SPRING and QDG) and freezing of gait (SPRING) as well as healthy controls with no neurological symptoms or disease (QDG only).