Non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for improving gait 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 study investigates the use of non-invasive spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) to improve gait dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease. By targeting multiple spinal levels, the study aims to activate locomotor central pattern generators that are disrupted in Parkinson's disease. The approach seeks to provide an alternative to invasive spinal cord stimulation, which has limitations such as fixed stimulation sites and surgical risks. Participants will undergo scTS to assess its effectiveness in alleviating levodopa-resistant axial motor symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease;
* Adults aged 18 to 80 years;
* Competent to give informed consent for the research protocol;
* Able to understand instructions;
* Able to ambulate 10-meters.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Co-morbidities affecting gait;
* Clinically significant cognitive dysfunction;
* Clinically significant depression or major active psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder;
* Terminal illness associated with \<12-month survival;
* Have a current diagnosis or condition such as major cardiac insufficiency, determined clinically by the study doctors;
* Current alcohol or substance abuse that is uncontrolled or unmanageable;
* Individuals unable to communicate with the investigator and study staff; and/or
* Individuals with any illness that, in the study doctors' opinion, may preclude them from spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation, activity-based recovery training, or participation in study assessments.

Where it's running

• Frazier Rehab Institute
  Louisville, Kentucky, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Andrea Wilhite, MS
• Email: andrea.willhite@louisville.edu
• Phone: 5025874871

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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.