Could gentle electrical pulses steady shaky hands?
NCT ID NCT06428526
First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether a type of electrical stimulation, called afferent-specific electrical stimulation (asES), can improve how the brain senses and controls hand movements. Researchers will test it in healthy adults and people with essential tremor, a condition that causes shaking. The stimulation is delivered through the skin or a small needle and aims to sharpen the sense of touch and position, which may lead to steadier, more precise movements.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- afferent-specific peripheral electrical stimulation (asES) delivered via continuous or closed-loop strategies
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a non-invasive way to improve fine motor control and reduce tremor in essential tremor, potentially reducing reliance on medications or surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The effects may be small or temporary, and the stimulation may cause discomfort or not work for everyone.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
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