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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 to 95

Improving balance and walking in older adults using spinal stimulation

Official title: Upregulating Spinal Circuits to Enhance Balance and Walking and to Increase Spinal Excitability in Older Adults

Run by University of Florida · NCT06517043 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if combining spinal stimulation with balance training can help older adults improve their balance and walking to reduce the risk of falls.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Florida
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 22, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2026
Study endsOctober 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT06517043 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65 to 95 who experience balance and walking difficulties but do not have severe cognitive or neurological impairments.

Probably not a fit

Patients with diagnosed neurological disorders, severe arthritis, or significant cardiovascular or other systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study aims to address age-related balance and walking issues in older adults, which can lead to increased fall risks and reduced quality of life. It explores the use of transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) combined with balance training to enhance spinal cord function and improve motor learning. The intervention targets the spinal cord's role in balance and walking performance, which is often impaired in older adults. Participants will undergo balance training alongside either active or sham tsDCS to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve balance and walking abilities in older adults, potentially reducing fall risks and enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using spinal stimulation for balance improvement is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in enhancing locomotor learning in older adults.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* age range: 65 to 95 years
* no severe high blood pressure: Resting systolic \< 180 mmHg and diastolic \< 100 mmHg
* no severe vision impairment: Visual acuity ≥ 20/70 as determined by Snellen eye chart
* walking problem: Preferred walking speed slower than 1.0 m/s over 10 meters
* balance problem: Berg Balance Scale score \< 45
* no cognitive impairment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26 out of 30

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosed neurological disorder or injury of the central nervous system, or observation of symptoms consistent with such a condition (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc.)
* severe arthritis, such as awaiting joint replacement
* current cardiovascular, lung or renal disease; untreated diabetes; terminal illness
* myocardial infarction or major heart surgery in the previous year
* cancer treatment in the past year, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers and cancers having an excellent prognosis (e.g., early stage breast or prostate cancer)
* current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
* currently taking medications that affect the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, anti-cholinergic medication, and GABAergic medication, among others
* uncontrolled hypertension at rest (systolic \> 180 mmHg and/or diastolic \> 100 mmHg)
* bone fracture or joint replacement in the previous six months
* current enrollment in any other clinical trial
* planning to relocate out of the area during the study period
* non-English\* speaking, due to the likelihood of difficulties following instructions and communicating remotely
* clinical judgment of the investigative team

Where it's running

  • Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Brain Rehabilitation Research Center
    Gainesville, Florida, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.