The Michael J. Fox Foundation will award one-to-two-year grants to test non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of gait and balance disturbances in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We are particularly interested in proof-of-concept, validation and data-analysis projects.

This program seeks proposals for research studying the therapeutic benefit of:

• Assistive devices (e.g., back or leg braces)
• Novel technologies (e.g., laser or wearable devices)
• Rehabilitative therapy programs (e.g., occupational or physical therapy)

Gait and balance disturbances in PD can lead to falls, injury, disability and diminished quality of life. While existing dopamine therapies offer therapeutic benefit in treating motor dysfunction in PD, pharmacological-based interventions may not fully ameliorate challenges in gait and balance.

MJFF will prioritize projects that aim to demonstrate proof of concept of methods, feasibility of use and reasonable merit to help gait and balance disturbance in PD. Promising novel technologies must have at least a prototype available to test for proof of concept. Projects also may aim to analyze preliminary existing data around devices or programs. At the end of the proposed project period, technology or approach has the potential to be quickly integrated into patient care.

Please note: This program is not appropriate for technology development, cognitive-based interventions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) or exercise intervention programs.