Electric zaps to the spine may help seniors stay steady on their feet

NCT ID NCT06517043

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Florida Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the lower spine can boost the effects of balance training in adults aged 65 to 95 who have trouble walking and balancing. Participants will perform balance exercises while receiving either real or sham spinal stimulation. Researchers will measure changes in balance, walking speed, and spinal nerve activity to see if the combination works better than exercise alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS)
What this could lead to: If effective, this approach could lead to a simple, non-invasive therapy to reduce fall risk and preserve independence in older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-stage study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The stimulation may provide no extra benefit over balance 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.

AGING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center
RECRUITING

Gainesville, Florida, 32608, United States

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