Brain zaps and ultrasound may help Parkinson's patients stay steady

NCT ID NCT03981055

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether combining two types of brain stimulation (tDCS and TUS) with physical therapy can improve balance in people with Parkinson's disease. Forty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation during therapy sessions over two weeks. The goal is to see if this approach reduces postural instability and improves motor function.

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) and Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve balance and reduce falls in people with Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 40 participants. The effects may be modest or not last long, and the combination of brain stimulation and therapy may not work better than therapy alone.

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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 DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Research Institute

Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

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