Music and brain zaps show promise for rare movement disorder
NCT ID NCT05073471
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether combining music-based movement cues (patterned sensory enhancement) with mild brain stimulation can improve arm and hand function in people with corticobasal syndrome, a rare brain disorder. Twenty participants will be split into two groups: one receiving music therapy alone, the other receiving music therapy plus brain stimulation. The goal is to see if these safe, non-invasive approaches can help with daily tasks and 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
- Patterned Sensory Enhancement (music therapy) and transcranial direct current stimulation (mild brain stimulation)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive, drug-free way to improve arm and hand function and quality of life for people with corticobasal syndrome.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The improvements may be modest or not last long-term.
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.
- Started
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Apr 2022
- Expected to finish
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Jun 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 89 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: * Patients with CBS * Age range 18-89 * Right-handed Exclusion Criteria: * A history of migraines * Have a scalp or skin condition (e.g., psoriasis or eczema) * Have any metallic implants, including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker * Have had a head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness that has required further investigation * Have diagnosed psychological or neurological disorders * Have had a seizure * Have had adverse effects to previous tDCS or other brain stimulation techniques (e.g., TMS) * Pregnancy * Inability or unwillingness to follow directions for study procedures
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
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