New ultrasound technique could quiet hand tremors without drugs

NCT ID NCT05308368

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: North Carolina State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether ultrasound imaging can help understand and suppress tremors in people with Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. Researchers used ultrasound to watch hand muscles during grasping motions and developed models to predict tremor. They then used mild electrical stimulation to try to reduce the tremor. The goal was to see if this approach could lead to better, non-invasive tremor control in the future.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive, drug-free way to suppress tremors using electrical stimulation guided by ultrasound imaging.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study (12 people) focused on developing and testing models, not a proven treatment. The approach may not work in real-world settings or for all tremor types.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

essential tremor Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ESSENTIAL TREMOR PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Engineering Building III

Raleigh, North Carolina, 27606, United States

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