Gentle brain stimulation plus Nordic walking for better walking and balance in Parkinson's

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 who can walk at least 10 meters are randomized to receive either active anodal tDCS over the supplementary motor area or a sham procedure while completing a supervised Nordic Walking program three times per week for four weeks. tDCS is applied concurrently with gait training to prime motor networks during practice, and the primary outcome is walking speed on the 10-Meter Walk Test measured at post-intervention and at a one-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include balance, motor signs, Parkinson's-specific quality of life, and safety/tolerability. The trial is double-blind, single-center, and conducted at a university outpatient neurorehabilitation facility in Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (e.g., UK Brain Bank criteria)
* Hoehn \& Yahr stage II-IV (on medication)
* Stable antiparkinsonian medication for ≥4 weeks before enrollment
* Slowed gait phenotype (e.g., ≥6 seconds on 10-Meter Walk at preferred speed)
* Able to ambulate at least 10 meters with or without a cane/poles (no hands-on assistance from a therapist)
* Able to follow simple commands; provides written informed consent (MMSE ≥24 or equivalent cognitive screening)
* Willing to maintain stable PD medication and usual care during the 4-week intervention, unless medically required

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to tDCS: implanted cranial/brain devices (e.g., DBS), metal in the skull (excluding dental), active skin disease/lesions at electrode sites, uncontrolled epilepsy or history of seizure in the past 12 months
* Unstable medical or psychiatric conditions that preclude safe participation (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, recent cardiovascular events, severe orthostatic hypotension with syncope)
* Severe freezing of gait or fall risk that prevents safe participation in supervised Nordic Walking, as judged by the clinical team
* Severe musculoskeletal or vestibular disorders that limit walking with poles; severe uncorrected visual impairment
* Cognitive impairment incompatible with consent or testing (e.g., MMSE \<24)
* Current participation in other interventional trials targeting gait/balance or brain stimulation; recent initiation or dose change of antiparkinsonian medication within 4 weeks.

Where it's running

• UEAFTO - Unidade de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
  Belém, Pará, Brazil Recruiting

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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.