tDCS to improve walking and movement in PSP, corticobasal syndrome, and Parkinson's disease
Official title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as a Treatment for Motor Function in Participants Living With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticalbasal Syndrome Degeneration, or Parkinson's Disease
Run by Baycrest · NCT07291687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The study will try applying gentle brain stimulation (tDCS) during walking practice to see if it improves gait, speech, eye movements, and hand dexterity in people with PSP, corticobasal syndrome, or Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Baycrest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | December 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07291687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, or Parkinson's disease who walk daily (independently or with a cane/walker) and can follow instructions in English are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who cannot walk regularly, who have intracranial metal implants such as shunts, or who cannot communicate or follow instructions in English are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study pairs transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with walking and motor training sessions to measure changes in gait, articulation, eye gaze, and motor dexterity. The investigators will enroll about 30 participants with each diagnosis (PSP, corticobasal syndrome, and Parkinson's disease) to examine effects within and between groups. The design builds on preliminary small trials that found benefits when training was combined with stimulation and seeks to replicate and compare responsiveness across related disorders. Outcomes will be compared before and after the intervention to identify disease-specific and shared improvement patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve mobility, communication, gaze control, and hand function, potentially reducing disability and fall risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small tDCS studies with 10–20 participants reported significant improvements when training was paired with stimulation, but larger confirmatory trials remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: \- 1. Participants must be able to walk unassisted, or with the assistance of a walker or cane, and be individuals who walk daily. 2\. Participants should have a sufficient level of English to be able to express themselves verbally, be able to read and follow instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * 3\. Individuals with metal implants within the brain such as shunts will be excluded.
Where it's running
-
Baycrest Academy of Health Sciences and Geriatric Research
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tyler Roncero, Ph.D — Baycrest Academy of Health Sciences and Geriatric Research
- Study coordinator: Alice Zhang, B.Sc
- Email: azhang4@research.baycrest.org
- Phone: (416) 785-2500
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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.