Can zapping the brain help Parkinson's patients walk again?

NCT ID NCT06982638

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a personalized brain stimulation method called rTMS, combined with walking exercises, can help people with Parkinson's disease who experience freezing of gait—a feeling of being stuck when trying to walk. Up to 15 adults aged 50-80 will receive 6 treatment visits over 2 weeks, with brain scans used to target the stimulation. The main goal is to see if the approach is tolerable and practical, not yet to prove it works.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment to reduce freezing episodes and improve walking in Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study with only 12 people and no placebo group. The treatment is investigational for this use, so results may not lead to a proven therapy.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carlina
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29414, United States

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