Brain zapping study seeks to unravel why Parkinson's patients lose balance
NCT ID NCT06464029
First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026
Summary
This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to examine how nerve pathways from the brain to the legs and trunk are affected in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will measure brain activity and link it to walking and balance tests in 160 participants, including those with Parkinson's and healthy older adults. The goal is to better understand the biological causes of postural instability, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could reveal which brain pathways are responsible for balance problems in Parkinson's, potentially guiding future treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead directly to new therapies, and results may not apply to all people with Parkinson's.
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.
- Participants
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About 160 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- 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.
Who is studied
Participants with PD will undergo an initial screening for inclusion/exclusion criteria by their clinician based on findings obtained during their routine clinical appointment. Potential control participants will be screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria during an initial phone call.
- Ages
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45 to 80 years
- 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: Participants with Parkinson's disease * Diagnosis of idiopathic PD or dystonia as determined by a movement disorders neurologist in accordance with the UK Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria. * Age 45-80 years. * Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters. Healthy Older Adults (Control participants) * Age 45-80 years (this group will be age and sex-matched to the PD group) * Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (cane or walker) Healthy Young Adults * Age 21-44 years (this group will be age and sex-matched to the PD group) * Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (cane or walker) Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who describe a history of a frequent vasovagal syncope (fainting) in response to blood, emotional stress, or sensory triggers. * Subjects who are on anti-coagulant medications. * Any musculoskeletal disorder that affects the ability to stand. * History of seizures, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury. * Intracranial metallic or magnetic devices. * Pacemaker or any implanted device. * History of surgery on blood vessels, brain or heart. * Unexplained, recurring headaches or concussion within the last six months. * Moderate to severe hearing impairment. * Subjects who are pregnant. * Dementia diagnosis * Other significant neurological disorders that may affect participation or performance in the study * Implanted deep brain stimulator or other neurosurgeries to treat PD.
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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 Minnesota
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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