DBS RESOURCE CENTER
DBS Resource Center / Research

Research, without the jargon

Parkinson's DBS research opportunities

We explain what a study is testing, what participation may involve and where Doing Life Today stops and the study team begins.

Opportunity information checked September 5, 2026

Current gait study

Doing Life Today is paid by CereGate when someone who comes through this page completes a first study visit. We have no role in deciding who takes part. How we are funded →

Currently recruiting in the United States · NCT05292794

Could your DBS give you a rhythm to step to?

CereGate is sponsoring a clinical study of an investigational approach for freezing of gait. It is for people with Parkinson's who already have an implanted DBS system and still experience freezing while walking.

Investigational means researchers do not yet know whether it works or how effective it is.
Joining research is not the same as receiving an established treatment.

The idea in everyday language

External cues, such as a metronome beat or a line on the floor, can sometimes help a person initiate the next step. CereGate Therapy adds another program to certain compatible existing DBS systems. That program creates a rhythmic tingling sensation intended to act as an internal cue while walking.

According to the official study site, this does not require new surgery, a new implanted device, new medication or imaging. The DBS system is reprogrammed to add the investigational program.

What is involved

Sponsor-approved wording pending.

Who may be a possible fit?

The official study site lists these initial criteria:

  • Physician-diagnosed Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait.
  • Current Parkinson's medication such as carbidopa/levodopa or a dopamine agonist.
  • A compatible STN-DBS system, including certain Boston Scientific systems.
  • Age 21 to 80.

Compatibility, medical history and full eligibility are determined by the study team. Study centers are listed in several U.S. states and locations can change, so confirm the current list on the official site.

Visit the official study site ↗Understand freezing of gait first

Travel and distance

Sponsor-approved travel information pending.

Questions to ask before screening

  • What is the study's ClinicalTrials.gov identifier?
  • Which DBS systems and lead locations are compatible?
  • What are the known and possible risks of the added program?
  • What happens if my freezing, balance, speech or other symptoms worsen?
  • Who pays for travel, parking or an overnight stay?
  • What compensation is offered and when is it paid?
  • What information is collected, who sees it and how long is it kept?
  • Can I leave the study at any time, and what follow-up would still be required?
  • What happens to the extra program when participation ends?

Doing Life Today's role

Doing Life Today provides awareness and plain-language education. We do not collect screening answers, decide eligibility, provide clinical care or share Club members' health information with the sponsor. Clicking the official link takes you to a site controlled by the study sponsor.

Financial or organizational relationships connected to featured studies are disclosed beside the relevant feature. A partnership does not turn an investigational approach into a proven treatment and does not replace informed consent. Read our disclosure standard.

Sources