Effects of excitatory and inhibitory LIFUS of GPi in Parkinson’s patients without DBS

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

Researchers will apply two deep brain stimulation-like ultrasound protocols to the GPi region in people with Parkinson’s disease, in random sessions with a sham comparison. Participants undergo baseline MRI, followed by three visits where different LIFUS patterns are delivered and tasks are performed, including a stop-signal task, UPDRS motor scoring, and finger tremor measurements. The study compares theta-burst and 10 Hz inhibitory stimulation against a sham condition to understand how these protocols may influence motor control and tremor. Outcomes include behavioral performance, motor scores, and tremor metrics to explore potential mechanisms and efficacy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-90 years of age
* Confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
* Stable dopaminergic medication dose for a minimum of 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of stroke or seizure
* Comorbid dementia
* Scored below 22 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
* Has intracranial implant(s) or device(s)
* Has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
* Has a previous surgical intervention to treat the movement disorder such as lesioning or a Deep Brain Stimulation system in place.
* Presence of metal implanted in body that is contraindicated in TMS/MRI/peripheral electrical stimulation
* Pregnancy
* Major depression/psychiatric disorder that in the opinion of the Investigator will affect patient's understanding of study procedures and willingness to abide by all procedures during the course of the study
* Is on antipsychotics, anti-depressants, marijuana, or other recreational drugs that affect the nervous system
* Major musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disease or disorder of the hands, wrists and limbs
* Severe Dyskinesia
* Major systemic illness or infection

Where it's running

• Toronto Western Hospital
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert Chen, MBBS — University Health Network, Toronto
• Study coordinator: Julian Kwok
• Email: julian.kwok@uhn.ca
• Phone: 416-603-5800

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Parkinson’s Risk in Gaucher Disease Type 1

  This study tests how Parkinson’s risk relates to GBA1-related Gaucher disease in adults over 40, by collecting detailed clinical data and samples for future research.

  Recruiting Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, New York · NCT07886879

• Can the Ronnie Gardiner Method improve thinking and daily function in people with Parkinson’s

  In this 10-week program, adults with Parkinson’s disease will try the Ronnie Gardiner Method to see if it helps thinking, talking, movement, balance, and quality of life.

  Recruiting University Ghent · Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen · NCT07863219

• Capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy for people with Parkinson's disease

  This study tests four TECAR therapy protocols on the legs to see which best reduces muscle stiffness and improves walking in people with Parkinson's disease.

  Recruiting Universidad San Jorge · Zaragoza, Zaragoza · NCT07842926

• TRB-001 safety and immune response in early Parkinson's disease

  This early-phase study tests TRB-001 against placebo to see if it is safe and prompts an immune response in people with recently diagnosed Parkinson’s disease.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Tridem Bioscience FlexCo · Vienna · NCT07840027

• Bayesian optimization to tune DBS for better gait in Parkinson’s patients

  This study tests whether using Bayesian optimization can quickly find DBS settings that lengthen step length in people with Parkinson's who already have DBS in place.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, Minnesota · NCT07835308

• rTMS-primed self-controlled practice for people with Parkinson’s disease

  This study tests whether priming motor training with rTMS and letting people with Parkinson’s control their practice improves motor learning and motivation.

  Recruiting National Taiwan University Hospital · Taipei, Zhongzheng Dist. · NCT07832695

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.