Exploring pathways affecting balance 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

This project investigates the excitability of brain pathways that control leg and trunk muscles in individuals with Parkinson's disease using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It aims to analyze how these pathways relate to postural instability and gait dysfunction. The study includes participants with Parkinson's disease, healthy older adults, and healthy young adults to compare results across different age groups. The research is observational and focuses on basic physiological mechanisms rather than treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants with Parkinson's disease

* Diagnosis of idiopathic PD or dystonia as determined by a movement disorders neurologist in accordance with the UK Society Brain Bank diagnostic criteria.
* Age 45-80 years.
* Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters.

Healthy Older Adults (Control participants)

* Age 45-80 years (this group will be age and sex-matched to the PD group)
* Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (cane or walker)

Healthy Young Adults

* Age 21-44 years (this group will be age and sex-matched to the PD group)
* Able to ambulate independently without the use of an assistive device (cane or walker)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who describe a history of a frequent vasovagal syncope (fainting) in response to blood, emotional stress, or sensory triggers.
* Subjects who are on anti-coagulant medications.
* Any musculoskeletal disorder that affects the ability to stand.
* History of seizures, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.
* Intracranial metallic or magnetic devices.
* Pacemaker or any implanted device.
* History of surgery on blood vessels, brain or heart.
* Unexplained, recurring headaches or concussion within the last six months.
* Moderate to severe hearing impairment.
* Subjects who are pregnant.
* Dementia diagnosis
* Other significant neurological disorders that may affect participation or performance in the study
* Implanted deep brain stimulator or other neurosurgeries to treat PD.

Where it's running

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Colum MacKinnon, MD — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Joshua De Kam
• Email: jadekam@umn.edu
• Phone: 612-626-8052

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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.