Participants needed | Self-Reported Features of Functional Gait Disorders | International Study

This is an international study which aims to explore the nature and extent of symptoms that occur in functional gait (walking) disorders, to identify what the most common problems are and the impact on individuals’ daily life. 

Study title:

Self-reported physical and non-physical features of Functional gait disorders.

What’s it about?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a common condition that causes neurological symptoms such as weakness, difficulty with walking or sensory loss, which is not due to structural damage in the brain, such as in stroke. A Functional Neurological Disorder that affects walking is called Functional Gait Disorder (FGD) and is a common problem in FND. As you may have experienced, a variety of different symptoms may affect movement, such as weakness, muscle stiffness, trembling or trouble with balance. Non-motor symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or fear of falling are also common. It is not clear how often each of these symptoms occur, how severely they impact someone’s ability to walk or their quality of life.

Am I eligible to take part?

You are eligible if you meet the following criteria:

• Adults (aged 18+) who have received a formal diagnosis of FND and self-identify as having a functional gait disorder (altered walking)
• Be able to complete online surveys and questionnaires in English.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants who are unable to walk at all, with or without a walking aid or another person’s assistance, and need bed-based care, will not be eligible to participate in this study. 

What will I have to do?

To access the participant information sheet please click on the linked button below.

Contact information:

Sara Issak
Email: sara.issak@student.unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 9805 4178

Professor Gavin Williams
Email: Egavinw@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 9426 8727