New brain zaps aim to unfreeze Parkinson's gait
NCT ID NCT05509842
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new, high-dose form of non-invasive brain stimulation (called accelerated theta burst stimulation) to see if it can improve walking problems, like freezing, in people with Parkinson's disease. The study will enroll 20 adults with early-stage Parkinson's who have trouble walking. Researchers will measure how acceptable the treatment is and how much it improves walking speed and freezing episodes.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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45 to 90 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Parkinson disease (PD) with PD diagnosis based on the recent Movement Disorder Society criteria 2. PD subjects \>45 years and \<90 will be studied 3. H\&Y2-3 (early PD) subjects will be recruited 4. English speaker 5. Able to provide written consent prior to admission Exclusion Criteria: 1. The presence of other neurologic disease or neurologic findings on examination 2. Depression: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score \>11 3. Evidence of a stroke or mass lesion on prior structural brain imaging (CT or MRI) 4. Are younger than 45 or older than 90 years old 5. Non-English speaker 6. Are pregnant, suspect pregnancy or are attempting to become pregnant 7. Have a pacemaker, intracardiac lines or any other medically implanted device or medicine pump 8. Have cochlear hearing implants 9. Are taking GABAergic, NDMA-receptor antagonist, or other drug known to influence neural receptors that facilitate neuroplasticity 10. Have non removable body piercings or have foreign objects in body 11. Have metal anywhere in the head that could increase a subjects risk of serious injury (not including braces, dental fillings, etc.): 1. deep brain or vagus nerve stimulator 2. aneurysm clips or coils 3. stents in neck or brain 4. implanted stimulators 5. electrodes to monitor brain activity 6. metallic implants in eyes or ears 7. shrapnel or bullet fragments in or near the head 8. facial tattoos with metallic or magnetic-sensitive ink 9. other metal devices or objects implanted in or near the head, 12. Have any of the below conditions that would put a subject at increased risk of having a seizure: 1. a personal or family history of seizure/epilepsy 2. taking prescription drugs that lower the threshold for seizures 3. recent history of excessive alcohol consumption 4. history of alcohol addiction/dependence 5. recent history of recreational drug use 6. history of drug addiction/dependence 13. Have been diagnosed with any of the following: 1. A stroke, brain hemorrhage, brain tumor, encephalitis, or multiple sclerosis 2. Alzheimer's disease 3. attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, or manic depressive (bipolar) disorder 4. normal pressure hydrocephalus or increased intra-cranial pressure 5. diabetes requiring insulin treatment 6. any serious heart disorder or liver disease 6\. Metallic medical implants (i.e. pacemaker), foreign objects in body, non-removable body-piercings 7. Pregnancy 8. Additional exclusion criteria related to TMS: g. Metal in the cranium (mouth excluded) h. Cardiac pacemaker i. Implanted medication pump j. Implanted deep brain stimulator or vagus nerve stimulator k. Intracardiac lines l. Serious heart disease m. Increased intracranial pressure n. History of seizures o. Epileptogenic medication p. Cochlear implants q. Recent extended air travel resulting in jetlag or other sleep deprived state
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Brain scans probe why some Parkinson's patients freeze Mid-Step
- Can tango rewire the brain? dance program tested for Parkinson's and dementia
- Can a workout after walking practice help Parkinson's patients learn better?