Improve gait via vagus nerve
- Trial ID
- NCT07226284
- Official Title
- The Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Intrinsic Lower Leg Spinal Motoneuron Excitability in Parkinson's Disease.
- Goal
- Improve gait via vagus nerve
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- University of Minnesota
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 75 participants
- Conditions
- PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder), Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Interventions
- Vagal nerve stimulation, No intervention
Plain-Language Summary
It tests whether non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can change the excitability of spinal motor neurons that control the lower leg, a change that might improve gait and leg control in Parkinson's. The approach uses a handheld neck stimulator that sends brief electrical pulses to vagal afferents, which influence brainstem and spinal circuits and can alter reflexes and muscle activation; it is studied as a neuromodulation add-on while participants stay on their usual Parkinson's medications, not as a replacement for levodopa. The study wants adults 21 to 76 with idiopathic Parkinson's who can walk more than 50 meters without an assistive device and who have been on stable Parkinson's meds, plus an age and sex matched control group. People with significant heart disease or abnormal ECGs, implanted electronic or nearby metallic devices like DBS or pacemakers, recent seizures or syncope, neck wounds or prior neck surgery, or pregnancy are excluded.
Locations
- Movement Disorders Laboratory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Vagal nerve stimulation. It tests whether non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can change the excitability of spinal motor neurons that control the lower leg, a change that might improve gait and leg control in Parkinson's. The approach uses a handheld neck stimulator that sends brief electrical pulses to vagal afferents, which influence brainstem and spinal circuits and can alter reflexes and muscle activation; it is studied as a neuromodulation add-on while participants stay on their usual Parkinson's medications, not as a replacement for levodopa. The study wants adults 21 to 76 with idiopathic Parkinson's who can walk more than 50 meters without an assistive device and who have been on stable Parkinson's meds, plus an age and sex matched control group. People with significant heart disease or abnormal ECGs, implanted electronic or nearby metallic devices like DBS or pacemakers, recent seizures or syncope, neck wounds or prior neck surgery, or pregnancy are excluded.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 21 Years and 76 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 11 months.