Footwear Modifications to Improve Balance in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

The Wilfrid Laurier Neuromechanics lab is looking for adult participants with and without Parkinson’s disease (PD) for a study on assessing the efficacy of footwear to improve gait and reduce falls in Parkinsonian populations. Specifically, this study will measure both balance and gait performance while wearing various footwear provided.

Eligibility criteria includes: age 40+, normal or corrected vision and hearing, and free of any neurological or physical conditions impairing balance, previous diagnosis of PD from a medical professional (PD group only), and the absence of musculoskeletal, sensory or cognitive impairment.

Participation will take 1.5-2 hours in total, split between a virtual/telephone screening session (0.5 hours) and in-person (1-1.5 hour) testing session at Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Campus.

If you are interested in participating, please contact graduate researcher, Patrick Crowley, for more information (crow5320@mylaurier.ca).

This research project has been reviewed and approved by the Laurier REB (9334).

Study type: hybrid, in person and virtual

Location: Ontario (Waterloo)