Using brain stimulation to improve movement and reduce fatigue in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Motor Function and Motor Fatigue in Parkinson's Patients
Run by Sanford Health · NCT06883266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help people with Parkinson's disease move better and feel less tired.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sanford Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fargo, North Dakota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 11, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 11, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 11, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06883266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who exhibit at least two of the four cardinal symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with dementia, those undergoing deep brain stimulation, or individuals with certain other neurological or chronic conditions 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 investigates the effects of multi-session anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with Parkinson's disease. The researchers aim to determine if this noninvasive brain stimulation technique can enhance motor function and decrease motor fatigue and fatigability. Participants will receive tDCS for 20 minutes daily over five days, with assessments conducted to evaluate changes in their motor abilities and fatigue levels. The study seeks to provide insights into the long-term benefits of tDCS for improving quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance motor function and reduce fatigue in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in improving motor function in Parkinson's disease, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of PD with at least two of the four diagnostic criteria for PD (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability) * Must be able to consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with dementia (MOCA \< 21) * PD treatment using deep brain stimulation (DBS) * Diagnosis of psychosis * Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis * Diagnosis of stroke * Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) * Diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF)
Where it's running
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Sanford Brain and Spine Center
Fargo, North Dakota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jau-Shin Lou, MD — Sanford Health
- Study coordinator: Jessica Keller, B.S.
- Email: jessica.keller@sanfordhealth.org
- Phone: 701-417-5781
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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.