PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
Information for Prospective Participants
The following research activity has been reviewed via QUT arrangements for the conduct of research involving human participation.
If you choose to participate, you will be provided with more detailed participant information, including who you can contact if you have any concerns.
Brain Activation during Walking in Healthy People and People with Parkinson’s Disease
Research Team Contacts
Principal Researcher:
Associate Researchers:
Luisa Roeder, PhD candidate, QUT
[email protected]
07 3138 6428
Prof Graham Kerr, QUT
[email protected]
A/Prof Ian Stewart, QUT
[email protected]
A/Prof Simon Smith, QUT
[email protected]
What is the purpose of the research?
The purpose of this research is to investigate how the brain controls walking in healthy adults and people with Parkinson’s
disease. The outcome of this research will further develop our understanding of brain activation patterns during walking in
healthy people and in people with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, which will, in turn, improve future
treatment options.
Are you looking for people like me?
The research team is looking for:
•
Healthy people between 18-30 years old.
Healthy people over the age of 55.
•
•
People with Parkinson’s disease over the age of 18 who have not had surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease (deep
brain stimulation).
Participants should be able to walk without assistance and have no musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, equilibrium or neurological
disorders other than Parkinson’s disease, nor recent surgery.
What will you ask me to do?
Participation in the study will involve:
• 2 visits (~2.5 hours each) over 2 weeks to the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Kelvin Grove campus of
QUT where we will undertake a variety of assessments with you.
• Assessments:
 Walking: we will record your walking with a video-based motion analysis system. To do this, reflective markers will be
positioned on the body.
 Brain activity will be measured using a non-invasive technique known as electroencephalography (EEG) that detects
electrical signals from the brain. You will be wearing a cap (similar to a swimming cap) which has a number of electrodes
embedded in it.
 Muscle activation will be measured using a non-invasive technique known as electromyography (EMG). Electrodes will
be placed on the skin over a number of leg muscles detecting electrical activity of the contracting muscle.
You will be asked to perform multiple sustained contractions with different leg muscles in a seated position while EEG and EMG
activity are recorded. Moreover, you will walk at a self-selected and comfortable pace for a short period of time on a firm
surface, on an uneven surface and on a treadmill
 Parkinson’s disease symptoms (if applicable) and cognitive function will be assessed with standard neurological
questionnaires.
Are there any risks for me in taking part?
The research team has identified the following possible risks in relation to participating in this study – fatigue and loss of
balance or a fall during walking assessments. Strategies are in place to manage these risks and full details will be provided
should you choose to participate. It should be noted that if you do agree to participate you can withdraw from participation at
any time during the project without comment or penalty.
Are there any benefits for me in taking part?
This project may not benefit you directly. However, your participation will contribute to develop a better understanding of brain
activation during walking in humans, and, particularly, to understand how these mechanisms are affected in Parkinson’s
disease. This will ultimately lead to an improved treatment of chronic, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Will I be compensated for my time?
We would very much appreciate your participation in this research. The research team is offering participants free parking at
IHBI for the duration of the assessment or, alternatively, providing reimbursement for public transport travel expenses.
Who is funding this research?
The project is funded by the QUT Office of Research and Parkinson’s Queensland Incorporated however they will not have
access to personal information about you that may be obtained during the project.
I am interested – what should I do next?
If you would like to participate in this study, please contact Luisa Roeder (see contact details above) for details of the next step.
You will be provided with further information to ensure that your decision and consent to participate is fully informed.
Thank You!
QUT Ethics Approval Number: 1300000579