Improve walking with transcranial stimulation
- Trial ID
- NCT07291687
- Official Title
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as a Treatment for Motor Function in Participants Living With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticalbasal Syndrome Degeneration, or Parkinson's Disease
- Goal
- Improve walking with transcranial stimulation
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Baycrest
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 20 participants
- Conditions
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Cortical Basal Ganglionic Degeneration, Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS), Stimulation Arm
Summary For Families
The trial is testing whether mild electrical brain stimulation can improve walking and other motor problems in people with progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or Parkinson's disease. It uses transcranial direct current stimulation, a low-intensity current applied to the scalp that changes cortical excitability to strengthen motor circuits; because it is a non-drug intervention it does not alter how levodopa is metabolized and can be given alongside usual Parkinson's meds. The study is looking for adults with one of those diagnoses who walk daily, either unaided or with a cane or walker, who can communicate in English, and who do not have metal implants in the brain such as shunts.
Locations
- Baycrest Academy of Health Sciences and Geriatric Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). The trial is testing whether mild electrical brain stimulation can improve walking and other motor problems in people with progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, or Parkinson's disease. It uses transcranial direct current stimulation, a low-intensity current applied to the scalp that changes cortical excitability to strengthen motor circuits; because it is a non-drug intervention it does not alter how levodopa is metabolized and can be given alongside usual Parkinson's meds. The study is looking for adults with one of those diagnoses who walk daily, either unaided or with a cane or walker, who can communicate in English, and who do not have metal implants in the brain such as shunts.
- Who can participate?
- Eligibility criteria vary. Check the full listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- 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 3 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.