tDCS to improve walking and movement in PSP, corticobasal syndrome, and Parkinson's disease
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as a Treatment for Motor Function in Participants Living With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticalbasal Syndrome Degeneration, or Parkinson's Disease
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baycrest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07291687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: Previous small tDCS studies with 10–20 participants reported significant improvements when training was paired with stimulation, but larger confirmatory trials remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.