---
title: Pinpoint causes of balance problems
nct_id: NCT06464029
status: RECRUITING
sponsor: University of Minnesota
study_type: OBSERVATIONAL
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06464029"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06464029"
last_fetched: "2026-05-10T14:02:05.816Z"
source: "Parkinson's Pathways (curated)"
---
# Pinpoint causes of balance problems

**Goal (in five words):** Pinpoint causes of balance problems

**Official Title:** Pathways Mediating Impaired Postural Control in Parkinson's Disease

**Trial ID:** [NCT06464029](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06464029)

## Key Facts

- **Status:** RECRUITING
- **Study Type:** OBSERVATIONAL
- **Sponsor:** University of Minnesota
- **Target Enrollment:** 120 participants
- **Start Date:** 2024-06-01
- **Completion Date:** 2027-06-10
- **Conditions:** Parkinson Disease

## Summary For Families

The goal is to pinpoint which brain and body pathways cause the balance and postural control problems people with Parkinson's often experience, so future therapies can better prevent falls. Researchers will observe people doing standing and walking tasks in the lab while measuring how sensory input, muscle responses, and neural control differ between Parkinson's and healthy volunteers; no drugs or surgeries are given, this is an observational study. People with implanted devices like deep brain stimulators or pacemakers, on blood thinners, or with seizures, stroke, dementia, recent concussion, major musculoskeletal issues, or other significant neurological disorders are excluded. The study is enrolling adults with idiopathic Parkinson's aged 45 to 80 who can walk 50 meters unaided, plus age- and sex-matched healthy older adults 45 to 80 and a younger control group aged 21 to 44.

## Eligibility

- **Minimum age:** 45 Years
- **Maximum age:** 80 Years
- **Sex:** ALL

### Full Criteria

```
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.
```

## Locations (1)

- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States _(44.9800, -93.2638)_

## Central Contacts

- Joshua De Kam — (CONTACT) — 612-626-8052 — jadekam@umn.edu

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06464029*  
*HTML version: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06464029*  
*Source data: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06464029*