Ear stimulation + exercise shows promise for Parkinson's symptoms
NCT ID NCT05871151
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve through the ear, combined with physical therapy, can help people with Parkinson's disease move better and feel better. Twenty-five adults with Parkinson's who could walk without help took part. The goal was to see if this combination improves walking, balance, and overall quality of life.
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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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25 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2023
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- 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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35 to 80 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.
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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: * Diagnosis of PD by a board-certified neurologist * age between 35 and 80 years * no walking aids * stable medication 4 weeks prior to and during the study * no falls in the past 6 months * participant must have MD who is willing to provide oversight and approval for clinically defined OFF state Exclusion Criteria: * mild cognitive impairment (MoCA \<25) * self reported depression * antidepressive or antipsychotic medication * participation in a VNS study in the past year * disabling bradykinesia to ensure patients are able to participate in intensive physiotherapy (based on clinical impression and in accordance to UPDRS part III item 14 - to be administered in clinic) * prior history of cardiovascular, neurological or musculoskeletal disorders known to interfere with testing PD features * implanted medical device of any type * history of seizures * peripheral neuropathy including temporal mandibular disorders and Bells Palsy, and * vasovagal syncope.
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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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UAB
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
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WHARF
Birmingham, Alabama, 35209, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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