Electric zaps to the spine may help seniors stay steady on their feet
NCT ID NCT06517043
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center
RECRUITINGGainesville, Florida, 32608, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••