Current Research Studies Recruiting Participants
We recommend you speak to your doctor’s office before enrolling in a research trial or study.
Memory Intervention and Parkinson’s Disease
Washington University School of Medicine is recruiting people with Parkinson’s disease who are 50 years or old, have noticed changes in thinking or memory, and have not had brain surgery to participate in a Memory Intervention Research Study.
Participation will include a pre-training assessment, 8 training sessions, post-training assessment, and follow-up questionnaires. Participants will receive up to $130.
For more information, contact Tasha Doty, MA, study coordinator at 785-865-8943 or tdoty@wustl.edu.
Black and African American people witih Parkinson’s Disease
Washington University School of Medicine would like to hear stories from Black and African American people with Parkinson’s disease and those who care for them, or have cared for them in the past:
What has your experience with PD been like?
How has your healthcare for PD been?
What would improve healthcare for PD?
Have you participated in research or community services related to PD? Why or why not?
This research study is looking to help Black and African American people with Parkinson’s disease get better care and possibly be included in research to help make healthcare better and easier to get.
By sharing your story, you can help people who look like you and live where you live.
You’ll speak to a team member for 1-2 hours, where and when is best for you and you’ll get $50 for your time.
To learn more, contact Dominique Woodhouse at 618-401-2328 or email woodhouse@wustl.edu.
Movement, Speech, and Thinking Study
St. Louis University is recruiting volunteers to participate in a study to examine the brain activity involved in walking, balance, thinking and speaking among people with neurologic disease including Parkinson’s disease.
You may qualify if you:
- Are between 45 and 85 years of age
- Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
Participation involves:
- One or two study visits of no more than 4 hours during which yo will complete walking, balance, thinking, and speaking tasks.
- Wearing a small wearable sensor that will gather information about your physical activity during waking hours for 1 week between visits.
- You will be compansated following completion of your study participation ($50).
Location:
St. Louis University
Allied Health Professions Building
3437 Caroline Street
St. Louis, MO 693104
For more information, please email Jason Longhurst at 314-977-8533 or email jason.longhurst@health.slu.edu.
Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise Phase 3 Clinical Trial: SPARX3
Washington University is seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical research trial to learn more about the effects of aerobic exercise on people with Parkinson’s disease.
Criteria:
People who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the last 3 years and are not yet taking medication for your PD symptoms
People who do not plan to start medication for PD within the next 6 months
People who are willing to take part in a regular treadmill exercise program 4x/week for 18 months and participate in study visits periodically for 24 months
Participants who are 40-80 years old
Participants who are not already participating in a structured exercise program
Principal Investigator: Gammon Earhart Department: Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine
Contact Martha Hessler at 314-286-1478 or mjhessler@wustl.edu.
Lower Back Pain Study
The Movement and Neurodegenerative Disease group at Washington University is studying how low back pain affects movement and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Low back pain is common in people with and without Parkinson’s. However, it is unclear if and how specific features of PD contribute to the low back pain. The purpose of this study is to determine if and how low back pain in people with Parkinson’s disease differs from low back pain in adults without PD. Participation involves one laboratory visit (3-4 hours) to test movement and sensation. Participants will be paid up to $25 total. (IRB # 201910083
Criteria:
People with and without low back pain and Parkinson’s disease.
People without Parkinson’s disease who have low back pain.
Contact Martha Hessler at 314-286-1478 or mjhessler@wustl.edu.
Walking and Music Study
The purpose of this Washington University study is to determine how music and singing can enhance walking ability among people with and without Parkinson disease (PD). There are two sessions in the lab, both taking approximately two to three hours each. There will be questionnaires, walking assessments, finger, and health history. Benefits and risks will be discussed with volunteers as part of the informed consent process. Participants will be paid up to $200 for participating. (IRB #201908117)
Criteria:
1. Participants must be over 30 years old with or without Parkinson disease.
2. Participants must be right handed (or ambidextrous).
3. Participants must have normal hearing.
4. Participants must not have any other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke or cardiac problems that would interfere with safe participation.
5. Participants must not have any contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (i.e., metallic implants, severe claustrophobia, uncontrolled tremor or dyskinesia).
6. Participants must be able to walk for 10 continuous minutes independently.
Contact Martha Hessler at 314-286-1478 or mjhessler@wustl.edu. A new group will be starting in September 2023.