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

NCT ID NCT06982638

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Medical University of South Carlina

    RECRUITING

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29414, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••