Comparing cervical versus thoracic trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation added to brain TMS to improve walking in Parkinson's disease
Effects of the Stimulation Site of Trans-spinal Magnetic Stimulation Combined With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Functional Mobility in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
NA · Universidade Federal de Pernambuco · NCT07488026
This trial will test whether adding cervical or thoracic trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation to repetitive brain TMS helps people with Parkinson's and gait problems walk better and move more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Recife, Pernambuco) |
| Trial ID | NCT07488026 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
People with Parkinson's disease and frequent freezing of gait are randomized to receive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with either cervical or thoracic trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation (tsMS). Each participant completes a course of 10 treatment sessions and outcomes are measured before and after the intervention. Primary outcomes include functional mobility and gait speed, with secondary measures of motor function, freezing episodes, balance, quality of life, patient‑reported global improvement, and adverse events. The comparison aims to identify whether the site of tsMS application produces different effects on mobility and motor outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 or older with a neurologist‑confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis, stable dopaminergic medication for at least three months, disease stage about 2.5–3 on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale, and at least one freezing‑of‑gait episode per week who have no contraindications to magnetic stimulation.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological, vestibular, severe musculoskeletal or visual impairments, prior Parkinson's surgery, MoCA score under 21, a history of seizures, or metal implants in the neck or spine are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify the best spinal stimulation site to improve walking and reduce freezing in people with Parkinson's, leading to more effective adjunct treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies have reported motor or gait benefits from rTMS or trans‑spinal stimulation alone, but directly comparing cervical versus thoracic tsMS combined with rTMS is relatively novel and not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: (i) a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease confirmed by a neurologist; (ii) stable dopaminergic pharmacological treatment for at least three months; (iii) age 40 years or older; (iv) disease stage between 2.5 and 3 on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale; (v) (v) gait impairment, defined as the occurrence of at least one freezing of gait episode per week. \- Exclusion Criteria: (i) other neurological disorders, orthostatic hypotension, vestibular, musculoskeletal, or visual impairments that could compromise performance on the proposed assessments; (ii) other osteomuscular conditions affecting the lower limbs that interfere with mobility and functional performance; (iii) a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score lower than 21 points; (iv) prior surgical procedures for Parkinson's disease; or (v) contraindications to magnetic stimulation techniques, including a history of seizures or the presence of metallic implants in the neck or spinal region.
Where this trial is running
Recife, Pernambuco
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco — Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ana Cecília Ribeiro Nascimento, Msc. student
- Email: anaceciliaribeiro.n@gmail.com
- Phone: (81) 99893-6664
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Parkinson's Disease, Gait Disorders, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Spinal Cord Stimulation, gait disorders, spinal cord stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, parkinson's disease