Comparing cervical versus thoracic trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation added to brain TMS to improve walking in Parkinson's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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.

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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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.