200 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Digital Music Device for Parkinson's Disease

(MyMusiQ Trial)

Recruiting at 2 trial locations
FP
EC
FP
Overseen ByFranchino Porciuncula, EdD, PT, DScPT
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus
Must be taking: PD medications
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a digital music device, used for three months, can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their walking. By listening to personalized music cues, participants might walk better, more often, and with less effort, potentially boosting their overall quality of life. Individuals with Parkinson's who can walk independently for at least 10 minutes and are not in severe stages of the disease might be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance daily living for those with Parkinson's.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that your Parkinson's medications be stable for at least two weeks before joining, but it doesn't say you need to stop taking them.

What prior data suggests that this digital music device is safe for people with Parkinson's disease?

In a previous study, people with Parkinson's disease responded well to a music-based digital therapy, noticing improvements in their quality of life and walking ability. Another study demonstrated that using a similar device at home safely aids walking and movement. The device uses sound to enhance movement.

Research has shown that this type of therapy is generally easy to manage, with no major safety concerns reported. Most participants completed their sessions without issues. However, as with any walking program, there is a risk of falling. Participants should exercise caution and adhere to the guidelines provided during the study.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard Parkinson's treatments, which often include medications like Levodopa and dopamine agonists, the digital music device from MedRhythms offers a unique approach by using rhythmic auditory stimulation. This technique harnesses the power of rhythm to improve walking outcomes, potentially enhancing mobility in a more natural and engaging way. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it provides a non-invasive, self-directed option that patients can use in their own homes, potentially increasing adherence and quality of life.

What evidence suggests that this digital music device is effective for Parkinson's disease?

Research has shown that music-based therapies can help people with Parkinson's disease walk better. For example, studies have found that Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), which uses music cues, can increase walking speed and step length. One study found that RAS improved overall movement and mobility in people with Parkinson’s. Another study showed that personalized music therapy led to noticeable improvements in walking speed and step length. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a digital music device, MedRhythms, in enhancing walking ability and quality of life for people with Parkinson's through a 12-week self-directed, home/community-based walking intervention.13567

Who Is on the Research Team?

TD

Terry D. Ellis, PhD PT

Principal Investigator

Boston University Center for Neurorehabilitation

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are able to walk and can attend study visits at Boston University, Washington University in St. Louis, or the University of Utah. Participants should be willing to use a digital music device as part of their walking routine.

Inclusion Criteria

Community-dwelling (e.g. home, independent living, senior housing)
I am 40 years old or older.
Willing and able to provide informed consent
See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with atypical Parkinsonism.
I am younger than 40 years old.
My Parkinson's disease is at an advanced stage (stage 4 or 5).
See 12 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-3 weeks
Primary screen over the phone, In-Person Screening and Baseline Assessment #1

Baseline Assessment

Baseline Assessment #2 conducted 2-3 weeks after Baseline Assessment #1

2-3 weeks
In-person visit

Treatment

Personalized, Closed-Loop Music-Based Gait Intervention using a digital music device

12 weeks
Self-directed, home/community-based

Post-Intervention Assessment

Assessment immediately after the intervention to evaluate changes in walking outcomes

Immediately after intervention
In-person visit

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks
Durability / Follow-Up Assessment about 1 month post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Digital Music Device (MedRhythms, Inc.)

Trial Overview

The study tests a personalized walking program using a digital music device that plays tailored music cues while participants walk over three months. The goal is to see if this helps improve walking quality, ability, daily activity levels, and overall quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: MyMusiQ (MMQ) Walking interventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston University Charles River Campus

Lead Sponsor

Trials
125
Recruited
14,100+

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Collaborator

Trials
117
Recruited
537,000+

University of Utah

Collaborator

Trials
1,169
Recruited
1,623,000+

Washington University School of Medicine

Collaborator

Trials
2,027
Recruited
2,353,000+

Citations

1.

medrhythms.com

medrhythms.com/

MedRhythms: Next-Generation Neurotherapeutics to Support ...

We are developing a pipeline of digital therapeutics across a range of neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. ...

Feasibility and Proof-of-Concept of Delivering an Autonomous ...

To assess the feasibility, proof-of-concept, and preliminary clinical outcomes associated with delivering an autonomous music-based digital ...

Amped-PD: Amplifying Physical Activity Through Music in ...

The device obtains real-time walking data through movement sensors that communicate wirelessly with the smartphone application software. Music cues are tailored ...

Influence of wearable rhythmic auditory stimulation on ...

RAS improved the stride length, gait speed, FOG and UPDRS-III19 in subjects with PD. RAS results in a significant increase in gait velocity, ...

Parkinson's Patients Tune Into MedRhythms' Music Therapy

Preliminary evidence of the trial (NCT04891107) that included 24 patients also suggested improvements in motor function and mobility after a ...

6.

movive.com

movive.com/

MOVIVE® by MedRhythms | PD Gait Rehab & Motor Recovery ...

MOVIVE is a safe, use-at-home device delivering RAS with music to support gait rehabilitation and motor function for people with Parkinson's disease (PD)

7.

medrhythms.com

medrhythms.com/science/

Science

Rhythmic auditory cues shape neural network recruitment in Parkinson's disease during repetitive motor behavior. Music Perception, vol. 27, no. 4, 2010.