Light therapy shows promise for ataxia symptoms in early trial
NCT ID NCT07296068
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests whether shining red and near-infrared light on the scalp (photobiomodulation) can temporarily improve balance and cognitive function in 20 adults with ataxia. Participants will receive either active light or a sham device in a randomized, placebo-controlled design. The goal is to see if this safe, non-invasive approach is worth studying further for symptom relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Photobiomodulation (light therapy)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a safe, non-drug way to temporarily improve balance and concentration in people with ataxia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (20 people) testing only immediate effects. It may show no benefit, and any improvements might not last or apply to everyone with ataxia.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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Jun 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- 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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18 to 70 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: * Age 18-70 years (inclusive) * Diagnosis of ataxia * Able to walk independently for at least 5 minutes, with or without an assistive device * Able to stand safely for balance testing, with or without an assistive device * Hemodynamically stable (stable blood pressure and heart rate at rest) * On a stable medication regimen for ≥4 weeks prior to enrolment * Sufficient vision and hearing (with usual aids if required) to complete balance and cognitive assessments * Able to complete study questionnaires and cognitive tasks (with assistance for reading/writing if required) * Able and willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current or past history of head injury * Use of medications acting on the central nervous system * Active skin conditions on the forehead or scalp * Any other major neurological disorder that could independently affect balance or cognition * Ongoing brain stimulation therapy * History of migraines * Sensitive skin, allergies
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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 Central Lancashire
Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
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