The Use of Sensory or Motor Cues Using Electrical Stimulation to Reduce Gait Freezing in Patients With Parkinson Disease

We will use a device (TENS unit) that provides electrical stimulation to a nerve in the lower legs. Electrodes will be placed on the skin of your lower legs and a box that delivers electrical current will cause a tingling feeling in the legs. Subjects will be asked to perform three gait tasks with the device on and off to compare the effects of the sensory cue on the speed/time to complete gait tasks and the frequency and duration of any freezing events. This use of the device (TENS unit) is investigational. While it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of pain, it has not been approved for the treatment of freezing. Because the TENS unit can provide a sensory cue, it may help to prevent or reduce freezing. If it is found that this cue works, it could lead to new treatments for the treatment of freezing.