Could a gentle neck zap steady the steps of Parkinson's patients?

NCT ID NCT06562569

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This pilot study tests a handheld device that gently stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck to see if it can improve walking and balance in veterans with Parkinson's disease. Forty participants will use the device at home while researchers measure changes in stride length and other gait measures. The goal is to find a non-drug way to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: non-invasive cervical vagal nerve stimulation (ncVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free, at-home way to improve walking and reduce fall risk for people with Parkinson's.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may not improve gait significantly, and individual responses can vary.

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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'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
RECRUITING

Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States

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