Brain zaps may steady shaky steps in seniors

NCT ID NCT06008431

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hebrew SeniorLife Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS could improve walking steadiness in 27 older adults at risk of falling. Participants received both real and sham stimulation while their gait and brain activity were measured. The goal was to see if targeting specific brain networks could reduce the variability in their stride, which is a known predictor of falls.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a safe, non-drug way to improve walking stability and reduce falls in older adults.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-stage study (27 people) with no long-term follow-up. The results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be too small to matter in daily life.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Gait Disorders, Neurologic Mobility Limitation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

FALL GAIT, UNSTEADY MOBILITY LIMITATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife

Boston, Massachusetts, 02131, United States

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