Zap away Parkinson's tremors? new brain stimulation shows promise
NCT ID NCT07309198
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial temporal interference stimulation (TIS) can improve movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Thirty-seven participants received either real or sham stimulation over 10 sessions in two weeks. Researchers measured changes in motor symptoms and brain activity to see if TIS offers lasting benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, drug-free way to ease movement symptoms in Parkinson's disease, potentially reducing reliance on medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 37 participants. The effects may be modest or short-lived, and the sham comparison may not fully account for placebo effects. Results need confirmation in larger trials.
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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37 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- 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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40 years and older
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * A physician-diagnosed idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) according to the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) diagnostic criteria, with onset after the age of 40. * Stable antiparkinsonian medication regimen, including levodopa-containing therapy, unchanged for at least 4 weeks before and during the trial. * Hoehn and Yahr (H\&Y) stages 1.5 to 3 and ability to walk unassisted. * Absence of dementia, defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 21. Exclusion Criteria: * Any contraindication for MRI or transcranial temporal interference stimulation (TIS), including claustrophobia, metallic implants in the head or heart, or a history of electroconvulsive therapy. * Current use of antipsychotic, antidepressant, or other dopamine-modulating medications. * Presence of orthopedic conditions that may interfere with motor assessments, such as osteoarthritis or recent orthopedic surgery (within the past 6 months). * History of physician-diagnosed major psychiatric illness. * Physician-diagnosed cardiovascular risks that could contraindicate exercise or study participation. * Prior history of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
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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
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Shanghai University of Sport
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200438, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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