Personalized brain stimulation paired with cerebellar rehabilitation
Official title: Individualized Neuro-Modulation Paired With Cerebellar Therapy
Run by Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. · NCT07642856 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether 3 weeks of personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus intensive rehabilitation improves balance, coordination, and related symptoms in people with cerebellar damage compared to sham stimulation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 30, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2, 2032 |
| Study ends | December 2, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07642856 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18-75 with cerebellar damage from stroke, tumor, or degeneration who can complete training and MRI screening (no MRI contraindications).
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with conditions or implants that preclude MRI or task performance, or those not tolerating rehabilitation or tDCS, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of combining individualized, MRI-guided tDCS with intensive rehabilitation for cerebellar damage. Participants will undergo a screening process with multimodal imaging to determine personalized stimulation sites and then receive 30 hours of training (two sessions per day) with either active or sham tDCS during one daily session. Primary outcomes include the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure of Ataxia (PROM-Ataxia), measured before, after treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The study targets adults with cerebellar damage from stroke, tumor, or degeneration, and aims to determine if personalized neuromodulation can enhance rehabilitation benefits beyond standard therapy alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater improvements in balance, coordination, and daily functioning related to cerebellar ataxia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous non-invasive brain stimulation work suggests potential for motor and functional gains when paired with rehabilitation, but this study explores personalized, MRI-guided stimulation in cerebellar damage with a rigorous sham-controlled design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-75 years * Males and Females * Disorders that predominantly affect the cerebellum: damage from stroke, tumor or degeneration (genetic or non-genetic causes, congenital hypoplasia). Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnoses or impairments that interfere with task execution or data interpretation. * Heart pacemaker or other MRI-incompatible implanted metal device * Metallic foreign body in their eye or head * Experience with severe claustrophobia * Experience discomfort from the MRI scan, such as excessive heating of tattoos * Seizures or history of seizure disorder * Alcohol or substance use disorder (self-report) * Diagnosed history of severe psychiatric disorder such as depression, schizophrenia (self-report) * Metallic foreign body in their eye or head (except the mouth e.g. dental fillings) * Specific medications: tricyclic anti-depressants or neuroleptic medication * Any medical condition (including orthopedic, pain, cardiopulmonary or other) that limits safe participation in exercise training
Where it's running
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Motion Analysis Lab in the Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy J Bastian, PhD, PT — Motion Analysis Lab in the Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Study coordinator: Derek J Eversley, BS
- Email: eversley@kennedykrieger.org
- Phone: 443-923-2716
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.