Ear zaps could help Parkinson's patients walk better

NCT ID NCT07366411

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a mild electrical stimulation applied to the ear (taVNS) can improve walking, balance, and movement in people with Parkinson's disease when combined with physical therapy. Thirty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation during therapy sessions. The goal is to see if this non-invasive approach can enhance functional mobility beyond therapy 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 auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, non-drug way to boost the benefits of physical therapy for walking and balance in Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-phase trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The stimulation is mild and may not produce meaningful improvements over sham treatment.

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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 (DISORDER)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil

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