Reduce freezing episodes during walking
- Trial ID
- NCT06982638
- Official Title
- Accelerated TMS for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Reduce freezing episodes during walking
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 12 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Interventions
- TMS+ Gait training
Summary For Families
They want to reduce freezing of gait, those sudden stops in walking that make movement unsafe and limit independence. The approach pairs accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses targeted magnetic pulses to boost activity in brain regions that control walking, with guided gait training to help retrain those circuits; TMS is noninvasive and is intended to add to, not replace, existing Parkinson medications, so dosing should be stable. Looking for people 50 to 80 years old with Parkinson's who have confirmed freezing on a standard questionnaire and on exam, who can complete walk tests without an assist device, and who have had no recent changes to dopaminergic meds. People with seizure history, implanted electronic or metal devices, major non‑PD gait problems, significant cognitive or psychotic disorders, pregnancy, or any MRI/TMS safety concerns are excluded, and enrollment is small.
Locations
- Medical University of South Carlina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying TMS+ Gait training. They want to reduce freezing of gait, those sudden stops in walking that make movement unsafe and limit independence. The approach pairs accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation, which uses targeted magnetic pulses to boost activity in brain regions that control walking, with guided gait training to help retrain those circuits; TMS is noninvasive and is intended to add to, not replace, existing Parkinson medications, so dosing should be stable. Looking for people 50 to 80 years old with Parkinson's who have confirmed freezing on a standard questionnaire and on exam, who can complete walk tests without an assist device, and who have had no recent changes to dopaminergic meds. People with seizure history, implanted electronic or metal devices, major non‑PD gait problems, significant cognitive or psychotic disorders, pregnancy, or any MRI/TMS safety concerns are excluded, and enrollment is small.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 50 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 2 years and 1 month.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.