ESStim therapy to help balance in Parkinson’s patients
Official title: ESStim for the Treatment of Postural Instability in Patients with Parkinson's Disease - Phase IIB
Funded at Highland Instruments, INC. · NIH-11409854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Phase IIB NIH-funded study tests a new noninvasive brain stimulation method called ESStim to improve postural stability in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Highland Instruments, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,496,687 |
| NIH project number | 2R44NS110237-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409854 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Parkinson’s disease who experience postural instability or balance problems and are eligible per study criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without balance impairment or those who do not meet eligibility criteria may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
If you have Parkinson’s and struggle with balance, this project aims to explore a new ESStim therapy delivered noninvasively to help reduce falls and improve daily mobility. The investigators plan a phased approach to assess safety, feasibility, and signals of benefit, using measurements that matter for everyday function. Participation would involve undergoing the ESStim treatment and periodic follow-ups to monitor balance, function, and safety. Findings could guide future clinical development of therapies to address postural instability in PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ESStim could offer a new way to improve balance and reduce fall risk for people with Parkinson’s.
How similar studies have gone: Previous brain stimulation approaches show promise but have limited efficacy, making this investigation an important next step.
Where this research is happening
-
Highland Instruments, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Timothy Andrew — Highland Instruments, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Timothy Andrew
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.