Could a caregiver-given brain zap at home prevent falls in seniors?
NCT ID NCT04732533
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study explores whether older adults who have fallen recently can safely receive mild brain stimulation at home, given by a caregiver or spouse. The goal is to see if this approach can improve mobility and balance. The study involves up to 72 pairs of older adults and their helpers, with training and monitoring done remotely.
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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 72 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2021
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
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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60 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Inclusion criteria will be the same for PF/PA pairs in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study. All participant pairs who complete either Phase 1 or 2 will be eligible to complete Phase 3. All participant teams who complete Phase 3 in its entirety will be eligible to complete Phase 4 PF group: * Aged 60+ * Self-report of one or more falls within the past year, and/or concern of falling in the future, and/or self-report of Parkinson's disease. * Able to read, write, and communicate in English * Able to identify an eligible PA to participate with them in the study PA group: * At least 21 years of age * Able to read, write, and communicate in English * Self-reported computer proficiency and willingness to learn how to use tDCS * Stated availability during weekdays throughout the study period to administer tDCS to the PF Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria will be the same for PF/PA pairs in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study. PF group: * Evidence of cognitive impairment that would likely interfere with one's ability to understand the study protocol, risks/benefits, and testing procedures. This will be defined as self-reported diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, a score of ≤19 on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) at the time of telephone screening, a score of 18 or less on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) during the in-person screen, or an inability to understand study procedures following review of the Informed Consent form. * Inability to stand or ambulate unassisted for at least 25 feet. * Contraindications to tDCS, including a reported seizure within the past two years, use of neuro-active drugs, the risk of metal objects in the brain, skull, or head, self-reported presence of specific implanted medical devices (e.g., deep brain stimulator, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant), or the presence of any active, uncontrolled dermatological condition, such as eczema, on the scalp. PA group: * Mild cognitive impairment defined by a TICS score ≤34 during the phone screen, a MoCA score ≤24 during the in-person screen, or insufficient understanding of study procedures following review of the Informed Consent form. * Poor eyesight, severe arthritis in the hands, pain, deformity or other condition that interferes with successful administration of tDCS.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hebrew Rehabilitation Center
Roslindale, Massachusetts, 02131, United States
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