Using magnetic stimulation to improve motor control in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy

Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Control in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Not applicable Interventional Oregon Health and Science University · NCT04468932

This study is testing if a type of magnetic stimulation can help improve movement control and reduce balance problems in people with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorOregon Health and Science University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT04468932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor control in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The central hypothesis is that enhancing cerebellar inhibition through rTMS will reduce postural instability in these patients. The study will utilize functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor changes in motor and premotor cortical activity following the rTMS intervention. Participants will be closely monitored to ensure they meet specific eligibility criteria and maintain stable medication regimens throughout the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40-85 diagnosed with probable or possible progressive supranuclear palsy who can follow simple instructions in English.

Not a fit: Patients with other significant neurological or vestibular disorders or those with certain medical implants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor control and reduce postural instability in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS in neurological conditions is being explored, this specific application in progressive supranuclear palsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* probable or possible PSP by the revised MDS PSP Criteria (Hoglinger 2017)
* age 40-85 at time of screening
* ability to understand and cooperate with simple instructions in English
* ability to read at 6th grade reading level in English
* ability to stand unassisted for at least 30 seconds and to be able walk independently with a walker
* ability to refrain from new physical and speech therapy programs for the duration of the study
* ability to remain on stable doses of any cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic sedative or NMDA receptor antagonists for the duration of the study
* females of child-bearing age must perform a urine pregnancy test and be on reliable birth control during the course of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* other significant neurological or vestibular disorders
* presence of electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implants or history of injurious metal exposure in eyes, head, or body

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Palsy SupranuclearSupranuclear Palsy, Progressiverepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.