The Effect of Beechband on Parkinson's Symptoms

Résumé succinct

Parkinson's disease can affect movement, balance, and everyday activities. The Beechband is a wrist-worn device that provides intermittent vibrations. Some people have reported improvements in symptoms while wearing the device, but there is currently little scientific evidence to support these reports. This pilot study will explore whether movement symptoms and participants' perceptions of their symptoms change after wearing the Beechband for 6 or 12 weeks. Approximately 60 people with Parkinson's disease will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will wear the Beechband for 12 weeks. The other group will continue their usual activities without the Beechband for the first 6 weeks and will then wear it for the following 6 weeks. Participants will be asked to wear the device for approximately 6 hours each day during their assigned wearing period. Assessments will be conducted remotely by video call at the beginning of the study and after 6 and 12 weeks. They will include measures of movement and balance, a timed walking task, and questionnaires about symptoms and everyday experiences. Device use and any unwanted or unexpected effects will also be recorded. The study is intended to estimate the size of any possible changes and assess the feasibility of a future larger clinical trial. It is not designed to provide definitive evidence that the Beechband is effective.