Zapping the brain to fix wobbly ankles: new study tests rTMS

NCT ID NCT06971705

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Wuhan University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve chronic ankle instability when combined with standard ankle training. Forty adults with a history of ankle sprains will receive either real or sham rTMS before their exercises over 4 weeks. Researchers will measure ankle stability, muscle activity, and brain changes using questionnaires and fMRI scans.

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)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive way to improve ankle stability and reduce re-injury risk by targeting brain activity.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 40 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and the sham group might also improve from training alone.

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

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY, CAI FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (FMRI)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Zhongnan hospital of Wuhan University

Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China

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